Trump vs. Letitia James: New York’s fiercest political rivalry escalates with federal probe

The years-long conflict between US President Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James has reached a boiling point, with the US Department of Justice initiating a federal probe into James for suspected mortgage fraud. The action represents a dramatic shift in a vitriolic political and legal feud that has lasted for years and framed the careers of both prominent New Yorkers, the Wall Street Journal said.

The probe focuses on allegations that James made false statements on mortgage documents for Brooklyn and Virginia properties. Federal Housing Agency officials pointed to long-standing reports in the media and wrote a letter to the Justice Department calling for investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirmed the probe in a TV appearance Sunday, describing it as "a case of great public importance."

James decries probe as politically motivated

James, a Democrat and one of Trump's most vociferous legal opponents, has rejected wrongdoing and accused the investigation as political retribution. "We have effectively stopped some of the administration's worst projects, so they are targeting me," she assured constituents at a town hall meeting recently.

Her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, admitted inconsistencies in the filings but reported that they were explained in other public documents. He stressed that there was no intent to mislead lenders and that James had reported the correct utilization and ownership of the properties in accompanying documents.

A battle based on politics and power

The probe is merely the latest shot in an intensifying battle between two larger-than-life political operators with strong New York ties. James, 66, climbed the ranks of Brooklyn politics to become the state's first Black woman to hold the office of attorney general. Trump, 78, made his money in the city's real estate industry before beginning his national political life.

Their battle came to a head in 2022 when James sued Trump for civil fraud, alleging that he and his family company had overstated assets to negotiate improved loan and insurance conditions. Her lawsuit ended in a $454 million verdict against Trump, a decision that has haunted him throughout his return to power and compelled him to post a large bond as he appeals.

Trump, who has long characterized James as politically driven, escalated his criticism after the DOJ probe was made public. Calling her "a total crook" and "grossly incompetent," Trump has hinted that James's aggressive investigation of his business dealings now merits federal investigation of her own.

A showdown with national connotations

Commentators have described the public sparring as having degenerated into a symbolic struggle between blue and red America. "They're both stubborn, both take-no-prisoners," Rev. Al Sharpton, who knows both men, said. "Their reasons are entirely different, but their resolve are the same."

With James at the forefront of a group of Democratic attorneys general filing suit against the Trump administration on immigration, health, and environmental regulations, and Trump using federal power to strike back, the political stakes are higher than ever. James has already won significant legal battles, such as preventing Trump's planned end to birthright citizenship and a halt to federal funding to sanctuary states.

Political theatre with personal consequences

James is eligible to be re-elected next year, and analysts explain the feud could work in their favour. Her adversarial posture towards Trump has popularised her among Democratic voters. Meanwhile, Trump's base is rallied by his clashes with what they perceive as politically motivated prosecutors.

"Most New Yorkers, particularly New York Democrats, are searching for a person who will take on Donald Trump," political consultant Chris Coffey said. "Conversely, taking on a Democratic Black woman attorney general of New York resonates well with his base."

As Trump remains on the attack and James keeps battling on multiple legal fronts, this feud remains far from over — and potentially could influence not only the political future of New York, but the national legal and political environment in the years ahead.