Trump's DOJ indicts Letitia James for mortgage fraud

In the United States, a federal grand jury in Virginia indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on October 9, 2025, charging her with bank fraud and making false statements regarding a mortgage secured for a property in Norfolk. The indictment alleges that James misrepresented her use of the property, which she was supposed to occupy as a second home, but instead rented it out as an investment property. This indictment is significant as it represents increasing scrutiny that Trump opponents face amidst allegations of politically motivated actions driven by the Trump administration. Lindsey Halligan, the acting U.S. Attorney, asserted the importance of accountability under the law, stating that no one is above the law. The case has provoked harsh backlash from New York's political leaders, asserting that this legal action represents an abuse of federal power and a weaponization of the Justice Department to retaliate against a political adversary. James has vehemently denied the accusations, describing the charges as baseless and motivated by personal vendetta against her by President Trump, following her previous civil fraud lawsuit against him and the Trump Organization. Notably, these events reflect a broader pattern of legal actions pursued against Trump’s critics who have taken public stances against him. This indictment has drawn sharply divided opinions, as some leaders from New York champion James as a symbol of integrity and justice, while others view this legal action as a troubling sign of political machinery being used for personal retribution by the president, illustrating a growing trend of legal tensions intertwining with the political landscape. James insists that she will continue her work as New York's main law enforcement official while vigorously fighting against what she terms a political witch hunt, indicating her readiness to contest the charges in court. Her arraignment is scheduled for October 24, 2025, paving the way for further legal proceedings and debates around the motivations behind this high-profile indictment.