On October 24, 2025, a scene unfolded outside the Hoffman United States federal courthouse in Norfolk, Virginia, that was equal parts political drama, legal showdown, and grassroots rally. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a figure well-known for her high-profile legal battles with former President Donald Trump, appeared before a federal judge to plead not guilty to charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The charges stem from a 2020 home purchase in Norfolk, where James is accused of misrepresenting her intent to use the property as a second home, allegedly securing a lower mortgage interest rate in the process.
James’ arraignment marks the third time in recent weeks that an adversary of Trump has faced federal charges, underscoring a pattern that has drawn intense scrutiny from both legal experts and the public. The indictment alleges that James, a Democrat who last year secured a $450 million civil fraud judgment against Trump (later partially overturned but with fraud liability upheld), signed a “second home rider” for a $137,000 property in Norfolk. According to the indictment, she agreed to keep the property primarily for her personal use for at least one year, but instead rented it to a family of three. The government claims this misrepresentation saved her nearly $19,000 over the life of the loan, a benefit not available for investment properties.
As James exited the courthouse, she was greeted by over 200 supporters, their chants echoing across the wide street and adjacent park: “Hey hey! Ho ho! Let Letitia James go!” and “We stand with Tish!” The crowd included not only grassroots activists but also a roster of elected officials and community leaders. Among them were Glynda Carr, President & CEO of Higher Heights; Randi Weingarten, President & CEO of the American Federation of Teachers; LaTosha Brown of Black Voters Matter; Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi; Norfolk City Council member JP Paige; and Virginia State Senators Aaron Rouse and Angelia Williams Graves.
James addressed the crowd with a fiery speech, her words drawing from both personal conviction and the legacy of civil rights leaders. “This is not about me,” she declared. “This is about all of us. About a justice system which has been weaponized. A justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge.” She continued, “So there’s no fear today. No fear! Because I believe that justice will rain down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” The crowd responded in kind, chanting “No fear!” in a show of solidarity.
James’ legal troubles began after a criminal referral from Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a Trump ally, who questioned whether James had lied on her mortgage application to obtain more favorable terms. The case is unusual; as Reuters noted, such prosecutions are rare at the federal level. The charges against James focus specifically on the Norfolk property, not on the two other properties initially raised by Pulte.
The political undertones of the case are hard to ignore. James is not the only perceived Trump adversary to face legal action from the current Department of Justice. Former FBI Director James Comey and former National Security Adviser John Bolton have also been indicted, while Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook remain under investigation. All have denied wrongdoing. According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, more than half of Americans—including about one in three Republicans—believe that Trump is using federal law enforcement to target his enemies.
The circumstances surrounding the prosecution have only heightened the sense of political intrigue. The official who had been overseeing the investigation into James, Erik Siebert, was removed after reportedly resisting pressure from the Trump administration to bring charges. He was replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a former Trump lawyer and White House aide with no prior experience as a federal prosecutor. Halligan presented the case to the grand jury herself, and her appointment has become a point of contention for James’ legal team, who plan to challenge her eligibility to serve in the role.
James’ lawyers have also filed a motion seeking to prohibit prosecutors from disclosing details of the investigation to the media and to preserve all communications related to the case. This move followed revelations that Halligan had contacted a reporter from Lawfare, a legal and national security media outlet, via encrypted messaging to discuss the prosecution and complain about its coverage. The defense argued, “It has been reported that Ms. Halligan has no prosecutorial experience whatsoever. But all federal prosecutors are required to know and follow the rules governing their conduct from their first day on the job, and so any lack of experience cannot excuse their violation.”
U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker, appointed by President Joe Biden, will preside over the case, with a trial date set for January 26, 2026. James’ legal team has made it clear they intend to fight the charges vigorously. “We will fight these baseless charges aggressively,” James said when the indictment was first announced. The defense is expected to argue that Halligan’s appointment was unlawful, a tactic also being employed by Comey’s attorneys in their own challenge to Halligan’s authority.
Supporters of James, including prominent activists and elected officials, have framed the charges as politically motivated retribution for her role in prosecuting Trump and his associates. LaTosha Brown, speaking outside the courthouse, told the crowd, “Fear is the tool that people use when they don’t really stand for anything. That is what they use.” Other speakers echoed the sentiment that the justice system is being manipulated to silence those who challenge the powerful.
For her part, James has remained defiant. In remarks after her arraignment, she thanked her supporters and reiterated her faith in the justice system. “My faith is strong,” she said. “I have this belief in the justice system and the rule of law. And I have a belief in America and all of its individuals who have stood with me—not only in New York but all across this nation.” She added, “I will not be deterred. I will not be distracted. I will do my job each and every day.”
Meanwhile, the broader context continues to evolve. Trump’s Department of Justice has initiated or pursued cases against several other high-profile figures, fueling an ongoing debate about whether the justice system is being used as a weapon in political battles. As the legal proceedings move forward, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Norfolk, where the outcome of James’ case could have far-reaching implications for the intersection of law, politics, and public trust in American institutions.
For now, Letitia James stands at the center of a legal and political storm, her fate to be decided in a courtroom—but her resolve, at least in the eyes of her supporters, remains unbroken.
