Several weeks ago, New York Attorney General Letitia James found out the Department of Justice may be investigating her for mortgage fraud.
Reports broke this week that legislation working its way through the New York state legislature could include a clause that will require taxpayers to pay her legal fees.
James found herself the subject of an ethics complaint filed by America First Legal (AFL), a legal group founded by top Trump adviser Stephen Miller.
AFL Vice President Dan Epstein explained, "For a state prosecutor who has maligned the President of the United States for political gain, public accountability will serve as a cure to Letitia James’ endless lawfare and abuse of power.”
Ironically, the complaint sounded very much like the civil fraud suit that was filed against Donald Trump by James. AFL contended that James had changed some details on her dwellings to get a better interest rate, as well as claiming a primary residence in a different state than New York, which she cannot have due to the fact that she is an elected official in New York.
The complaint by AFL was filed after a report surfaced from the Department of Justice by FHFA Director William Pulte, which outlined the potential fraud. Epstein stated, "If what Director Pulte uncovered is true, then we have a sitting state Attorney General who made false certifications to the United States in return for federal benefits.”
After the initial report broke, James immediately hired defense attorney Abbe Lowell, a former Hunter Biden attorney.
Lowell immediately fired off a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, all but accusing her of being Donald Trump’s revenge lap dog in the process.
His letter, in part, stated, “Your assurances give us confidence that you will not allow anyone to politicize your Department.” He was referring to Bondi’s promise to keep the DOJ independent of the White House.
James has used the defense that Pulte was cherry-picking past records on her dwelling regarding the residences, as well as stating that she had co-signed on the mortgage for a family member for the Virginia residence.
I took a lot of heat when I called out Donald Trump for using campaign funds to pay his legal bills, but having done that allows me to now call out James for essentially doing the same thing without being a hypocrite.
There is now legislation working its way through the state legislature that, if passed, would make taxpayers foot the bill for James’ legal battles.
New York GOP Chair Ed Cox ripped the legislation, stating, "Political insiders rigging the system to protect their own, while hardworking families get shortchanged. Tish James used her office to wage partisan lawfare against her political opponents, and now New Yorkers are footing the bill for the consequences."
I cannot help but laugh that when Democrats went after Trump for the very same “crime,” they were applauded. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, everyone is up in arms that Trump would dare to go after an Attorney General who possibly broke the law, much like they are upset over the arrest of a judge who allegedly helped an illegal immigrant escape custody.
