Trump Targets Political Enemies Over Mortgage Allegations
President Donald Trump has accused Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Sen. Adam Schiff of mortgage fraud, claiming they listed multiple properties as primary residences. Bill Pulte, Trump’s Federal Housing Finance Agency director, escalated the charges by issuing criminal referrals to the Justice Department.
Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, is now under DOJ investigation. She has filed a lawsuit to protect her 14-year term, calling Trump’s attempt to oust her unlawful. James, who led Trump’s civil fraud prosecution in New York, and Schiff, a longtime critic of the president, have also been accused of mortgage fraud tied to homes in Virginia, New York, and Maryland.
ProPublica Report Reveals Cabinet Hypocrisy
While Trump’s administration brands his opponents as fraudsters, a new ProPublica investigation found several of Trump’s own Cabinet officials engaging in similar practices.
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary, holds two primary residence mortgages, including one near an Arizona country club.
- Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, claims primary residence status on mortgages in both New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
- Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator, has two mortgages listed as primary residences in Long Island and Washington, D.C.
Experts told ProPublica that claiming multiple “primary residences” is often legal and rarely prosecuted.
White House Defends Cabinet, Attacks Critics
A White House spokesperson defended Trump’s Cabinet members, insisting they followed the law, while branding Cook “corrupt” and accusing ProPublica of running a “hit piece.”
Democratic strategist Joel Payne said the administration’s focus on Cook and James, particularly as Black women, reveals an intentional pattern of political targeting. “It’s the weaponization of government and the law,” Payne said, adding, “They’re shameless about it.”
