Letitia James Seeks Dismissal of Charges, Claims Political Motives

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a federal judge on Friday to dismiss a mortgage fraud case against her, labeling it a vindictive and politically motivated prosecution initiated by a president who sees her as an adversary.

James’ legal team argues that the case is rooted in personal animosity resulting from her civil fraud lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and his businesses. In their motion, they highlighted Trump’s derogatory comments about James, stating, “This lawsuit, and AG James’ outspoken criticism of the President, triggered six years of targeted attacks.”

James’ lawyers included direct quotes from Trump, who has called her “crooked,” “scum,” “a monster,” and “criminal” in response to her actions as attorney general. They suggest such rhetoric aims to incite backlash against James for fulfilling her official duties.

James is accused of falsifying information on mortgage documents to secure favorable loan terms for her home in Norfolk, Virginia, where family resides. She pleaded not guilty last month and criticized the Trump administration, asserting it uses the legal system as a “tool of revenge.”

Her attorneys claim the Justice Department has unfairly targeted her while disregarding similar actions by other public officials. They note, “The only meaningful difference between AG James and these individuals is that AG James is a Democratic Attorney General who spoke out against the President.”

Similar arguments are being made by former FBI Director James Comey, who faces charges he describes as politically motivated and retaliatory. Like James, he has contested his case’s legitimacy.

James was charged by Lindsey Halligan, a U.S. attorney appointed by Trump after he dismissed Erik Siebert, the previous prosecutor who did not pursue charges in either case. In a social media post, Trump urged that James and others be prosecuted for speaking out against him, claiming the administration’s reputation was at stake.

James was elected New York’s attorney general in 2018, becoming the first woman to hold the office. She has frequently been in Trump’s crosshairs, especially following her victory in a lawsuit against him that accused him of inflating the value of his assets. Although an appeals court overturned a substantial fine, it maintained that Trump had committed fraud.