On Friday, October 10, 2025, ABC News reported that New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on charges of alleged fraud. The indictment follows public pressure from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for the Justice Department to take action against his political adversaries. James is the second political figure in two weeks to face prosecution after Trump’s demands.

The charges against James include federal bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. These charges were announced by Lindsey Halligan, the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Halligan was appointed by Trump after he removed her predecessor, Erik Siebert. Sources indicate that Siebert had expressed internal reservations about pursuing cases against James and former FBI Director James Comey. According to ABC News sources, Siebert and other career prosecutors in Virginia found no clear evidence that James knowingly committed mortgage fraud. However, Trump administration officials reportedly pushed Siebert to bring criminal charges against her.

Trump publicly commented on the matter in September, stating he wanted Siebert removed from his position. He told reporters in the Oval Office, “It looks to me like [James] is very guilty of something, but I really don’t know.”

James has responded to the indictment by stating, “This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.” She added, “He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General.” James maintains that the charges are baseless and that Trump’s actions are motivated by political retribution.

Prosecutors allege that James misled a bank to secure more favorable loan terms. Specifically, they claim she stated a property would be her residence when it was intended to be rented out for profit. However, sources speaking to ABC News stated that a five-month investigation, including interviews with over a dozen witnesses, uncovered no clear evidence against James.

Halligan defended the charges, stating, “No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust.” She added, “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

Last month, Halligan also brought an indictment against James Comey on charges of making a false statement and obstruction related to his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. This indictment came shortly after Trump publicly demanded that his Justice Department prosecute Comey, James, and California Senator Adam Schiff.

Trump addressed Attorney General Pam Bondi in a social media post, writing, “Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, and Leticia???” He continued, “We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”

 

 

Source: ABC News