Prosecutor Defies Trump, Rejects Pressure to Charge Letitia James
A prominent federal prosecutor in Virginia is resisting calls from President Donald Trump to pursue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. Elizabeth Yusi, who works in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, has reportedly informed colleagues that she sees no evidence of mortgage fraud involving James.
Pressure from Trump and Investigation Details
The pressure on Yusi intensified after Trump labeled James as “SCUM” on social media, demanding her ouster as attorney general. He has previously indicated a desire for further investigations into James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Senator Adam Schiff.
Yusi, known for overseeing significant criminal cases in Norfolk, plans to present her findings to Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney appointed by Trump. Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure after opposing charges against Comey. Shortly after taking her post, Halligan managed to secure an indictment against Comey, who has denied lying during Senate testimony.
Allegations Against Letitia James
Trump’s allies have also suggested that James engaged in mortgage fraud linked to a property in Norfolk, Virginia. Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, implied wrongdoing regarding a home where James’s niece resides.
- James’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, firmly denies these allegations.
- Lowell states that a power-of-attorney form was incorrectly filled out, but James indicated on her loan application that the house was not her primary residence.
- Furthermore, James sent an email to her mortgage broker confirming the house “WILL NOT be my primary residence.”
Recent Legal Developments
This controversy unfolds amid ongoing legal battles involving Trump. In early September, an appellate court overturned a $500 million penalty imposed on Trump and his company due to business fraud claims initially filed by James. The court deemed the fine excessive under the U.S. Constitution.
The appellate decision upheld lower court findings that Trump and others were involved in fraudulent business practices, which Trump continues to deny. This legal rivalry adds another layer to the complex relationship between Trump and James as they navigate a heated political landscape.
