In a lawsuit that grabbed headlines ahead of the 2024 election, New York Democrat Attorney General Letitia James accused President Donald Trump of committing fraud by misleading lenders about the value of some of his real estate holdings.

However, federal authorities suggested this week that the attorney general was herself caught engaging in fraudulent behavior. 

Allegations detailed

ABC News reported on Thursday that it has obtained a letter sent by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In it, FHFA Director William Pulte referred James for investigation over a loan she took out on a property located in Norfolk, Virginia.

Pulte noted that the attorney general listed the Virginia property as being her "principal residence" in August of 2023 "despite being a statewide public office holder in the state of New York at that same time and primarily residing in the state of New York."

What's more, Pulte also pointed out how a building permit from July of 2024 lists another property in New York "as the 'JAMES RESIDENCE' and states 'Remain Occupied'."

Pulte: James "appears to have falsified records"

"At the time of the 2023 Norfolk, VA property purchase and mortgage, Ms. James was the siting [sic] Attorney General of New York and is required by law to have her primary residence in the state of New York – even though her mortgage applications list her intent to have the Norfolk, VA property as her primary home," Pulte stressed.

"It appears Ms. James’ property and mortgage-related misrepresentations may have continued to her recent 2023 Norfolk, VA property purchase in order to secure a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms," the FHFA director continued.

Pulte thus concluded that James "appears to have falsified records in order to meet certain lending requirements and receive favorable loan terms."

He argued that this could constitute "violations of the criminal code," including wire, mail and bank fraud along with "other relevant state and federal laws."

James issues defiant statement

Pulte concluded by stating that his agency "look[s] forward to cooperating with the Department of Justice to support any actions that the Department of Justice finds appropriate."

Meanwhile, ABC News reported that a spokesperson for James' office responded to its request for comment with a statement denying any wrongdoing.

“Attorney General James is focused every single day on protecting New Yorkers, especially as this Administration weaponizes the federal government against the rule of law and the Constitution," it read.

The spokesperson further declared that New York's attorney general "will not be intimidated by bullies – no matter who they are."