Trump foe Letitia James pleads not guilty to federal mortgage fraud

New York Attorney General Letitia James addressed supporters on Friday outside a Virginia courthouse after pleading not guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges. She accused President Donald Trump of using the justice system as a tool for revenge, while weaponizing it against people who did their jobs and stood up for the rule of law. James reaffirmed her faith in the American justice system and insisted that she would not be deterred from standing up against the Trump administration. She added that she would never back down, break, or bend.

What kind of fraud? A federal grand jury indicted James earlier this month on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution relating to a mortgage she took out for a house. The house was an investment property that James falsely claimed was a second residence to secure better loan terms, prosecutors alleged.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul hosted a rally in James’ support on Thursday night, describing her charges as a gross injustice. The case was the culmination of Trump’s revenge tour, she added. Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also addressed the Thursday night crowd, describing the Trump administration as authoritarian. James is under attack for holding Trump accountable, and treating no man as above the law, Mamdani said.

James is one of three high-profile Trump enemies facing federal prosecution, prompting members of the public and fellow government leaders to speak out in her defense. Prosecutors charged former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Former national security adviser John Bolton is also facing charges for illegally possessing classified information.

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report for more background on the Trump administration's recent indictments.