New York Attorney General Letitia James is maneuvering through a growing web of legal and ethical allegations, leveraging them as a tool to solicit donations from New Yorkers. Her strategy weaves defiance and victimhood with partisan rhetoric, transforming serious allegations into rallying cries for funding. A recent fundraising message sent to thousands of New Yorkers exemplifies this tactic.
In the message, James adopts a combative tone, quoting Trump aide Stephen Miller, who labeled her “one of the most corrupt, shameless individuals ever to hold public office.” Rather than addressing or refuting these criticisms, James frames them as politically motivated attacks. She claims that “Trump is on a revenge tour against me for holding his administration accountable and stopping their MAGA agenda in court.”
James urges her supporters with a call to action: “If you’re with me, chip in now to help fight back against this smear campaign.” This appeal is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader pattern by James to divert attention from serious allegations through cries of political persecution.
Currently, James faces allegations of mortgage fraud and other crimes outlined by William Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In a letter dated April 14, 2025, to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Pulte alleges that James may have falsified bank documents and property records. These actions allegedly helped her acquire government-backed assistance and loans on more favorable terms.
According to The Gateway Pundit, in 2011, James managed to refinance her high-interest mortgage on a Brooklyn apartment by utilizing a federal Home Affordable Modification Program loan. She benefited from a lower 2.7% interest rate funded by taxpayers. However, documents suggest that James falsely reported her apartment building had only four rental units, while the Certificate of Occupancy actually showed five.
Further scrutiny arose from a transaction in August 2023, reported on Sam Antar’s White Collar Fraud website. James co-signed a mortgage for a property in Norfolk, Virginia, with her niece, Shamice Thompson-Hairston. For this transaction, James executed a notarized Power of Attorney, declaring her intention to occupy the property as her principal residence, which helped secure lower mortgage rates.
James later justified her involvement by claiming she was being a “good Aunt” to her niece, who “had children” and needed a home. However, The Gateway Pundit reported that these “children” were actually adult convicted felons. Despite these issues, James has deflected them in her public messaging.
Rather than clarifying her actions, she appeals to her supporters’ emotions, presenting herself as a victim of Trumpian revenge. Her rhetoric paints her as a heroic defender of progressive values, refusing to be silenced and vowing to fight for the rule of law and the Constitution. In her fundraising text, James turns the accusations themselves into a weapon, using the political fallout to generate financial support.
James portrays herself as a beleaguered public servant, suggesting that any scrutiny of her conduct is simply a partisan “smear campaign.” However, the allegations against her surpass mere political vendettas. They include questionable real estate transactions over 43 years, including pretending to be married to her father for better loan terms on her first home purchase.
The legitimacy of the laws Letitia James enforces in New York state depends on applying the same scrutiny to her actions as to others. Failing to hold James accountable can erode public trust in her office. New York cannot afford an attorney general who acts as if she’s “above the law” and sees serious allegations as fundraising opportunities.
Joel Gilbert, a Los Angeles-based film producer and president of Highway 61 Entertainment, produced the new film “Roseanne Barr Is America.” He is active on Twitter, sharing his insights on political and social issues.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.