NEW YORK — The legal team representing New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested that the Justice Department dismiss an inquiry initiated by a Trump administration official—allegedly intended as political retaliation concerning a mortgage fraud allegation. This plea was made public on Thursday.
In a comprehensive letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, attorney Abbe Lowell contended that the accusations against James, suggesting she misled lenders about using a Virginia property as her primary residence, are unfounded. Records and associated documentation allegedly contradict these claims.
Lowell, known for his legal defenses of high-profile clients like Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Hunter Biden, characterized the investigation as part of the Republicans’ routine strategy to penalize adversaries through the legal system.
He argued that the criticism from President Trump regarding the Justice Department’s supposed politicization was ironic, as the Trump administration seeks to engage in similar practices against James.
The allegations originated from a call to action by William Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Pulte’s letter to Bondi, dated April 14, requested an examination and possible prosecution based on claims of James “falsifying bank documents and property records.” Media reports implicated that she inaccurately listed a Virginia house as a primary residence to potentially skirt higher mortgage rates typically applicable to secondary homes.
Official documents reveal James’ involvement as a co-borrower alongside her niece in the property’s purchase. Following these developments, prominent figures like Stephen Miller, a Trump adviser, publically declared James was guilty of substantial legal violations.
In response, Lowell claimed that Pulte selectively used information to fuel unfounded doubts against James. Citing prior legal challenges against Trump, including a significant financial ruling against him, Lowell stressed that the accusations were an attempt to discredit James.
Pulte pointed to an August 17, 2023, power-of-attorney documentation where James allegedly declared the Virginia property as her primary dwelling. This formality enabled her niece, Shamice Thompson-Hairston, to act on her behalf during the transaction due to James’ absence.
Lowell detailed an apparent misunderstanding, clarifying that James had communicated her intentions clearly in emails dating earlier, stating the property was not her primary home. Correspondence with her mortgage broker endorsed that the residence was meant for her niece, with James acting as a non-occupying co-borrower.
The evidence and communications presented to Bondi were said to challenge Pulte’s assertions, with Lowell arguing that these materials reveal any errors as minor and non-consequential. He elaborated that financial assistance from James was merely to support her niece’s home purchase, complying with mortgage residency requirements.
Subsequent to Pulte’s request, James’ office revealed a section of the loan application where she explicitly marked her intention not to reside in the Virginia property, negating claims of occupancy misrepresentation.
Speculation intensified following posts by Sam E. Antar, a figure known for uncovering financial misconduct, which were subsequently boosted by Republican figures like Roger Stone. As the narrative developed, Trump himself called for James’ resignation.
Concluding the letter, Lowell urged Bondi to quickly dismiss the referral, arguing that it rehashed debunked allegations unfit for prosecution.