New York Attorney General Letitia James—best known for her politically motivated crusade against President Donald Trump—found herself on the hot seat this week as a serious federal investigation into her *own* alleged mortgage fraud has begun to heat up. And judging by her latest public appearance, the pressure is starting to crack her cool, carefully constructed image.
During a speech at the Association for a Better New York on Tuesday, May 20, James delivered an unhinged tirade laced with excuses, political blame-shifting, and a laughable denial of facts now under federal scrutiny. Her meltdown comes amid an active FBI investigation into multiple instances of mortgage fraud James is accused of committing, including what looks like blatant deception on official housing documents.
According to a criminal referral sent to the Department of Justice by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte, James repeatedly misrepresented a property as having four housing units when, in fact, it had five. Why does that matter? Because five-unit properties are ineligible for reduced mortgage rates under the federal Home Affordable Modification Program—a program meant to help struggling homeowners, not politically ambitious attorneys general.
Pulte’s letter lays it out: James allegedly “consistently misrepresented the same property as only having four units in both building permit applications and numerous mortgage documents and applications.” In other words, it appears she lied to get a better mortgage deal—something that would land an ordinary American in serious legal trouble.
But the allegations don’t stop there.
James is also being investigated for listing a property she bought in Virginia in 2023 as her “principal residence.” That would disqualify her from holding office in New York, which requires its attorney general to live in-state both before and during their term. Yet, she continues to hold that office while simultaneously claiming she doesn’t live in the state she governs.
So, how did James respond when these serious accusations were brought into public view?
She blamed Trump.
“This investigation into me is nothing more than retribution,” she huffed, trying to spin the entire thing as a political vendetta. Apparently, in James’ world, pointing out potential criminal behavior is only valid if it targets conservatives.
She then tried to downplay the Virginia residency lie as a harmless clerical error, claiming she mistakenly wrote she was a resident on a power of attorney form. But in her own words, she also stated she told a mortgage broker—“in bold capital letters”—that she *wasn’t* a Virginia resident. Which is it, Attorney General?
And just when you thought the performance couldn’t get more theatrical, she vowed revenge against Trump, declaring, “Don’t harm my city, don’t harm my state. Otherwise, you’ve got to go through me.”
What we’re witnessing is the collapse of a political hack who built her reputation on lawfare and partisan grandstanding—now facing the consequences of her own apparent legal deception.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the seriousness of the investigation, stating it is being handled by “professional pros” who report directly to headquarters due to the case’s “great public importance.”
Translation: Letitia James isn’t facing political payback—she’s facing justice.
