New York Attorney General Letitia James, a prominent figure in the state’s legal and political landscape, is under scrutiny following two bar complaints filed against her, raising questions about professional conduct and fueling partisan debates. The complaints, lodged with the New York Committee on Professional Standards, stem from allegations of bias in her prosecution of former President Donald Trump and claims of mortgage fraud tied to personal property transactions.
The first complaint, filed on February 13, 2024, by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), accuses James of violating the Rules of Professional Conduct during her high-profile civil fraud case against Trump. The 2022 lawsuit alleged Trump inflated his net worth to secure favorable loans, culminating in a $454 million judgment. Stefanik’s complaint points to over 50 “highly inappropriate and prejudicial” social media posts by James during the trial’s early weeks, arguing they undermined impartiality and eroded public trust in the legal system. Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, called for James’ interim suspension or disbarment. James’ office declined to comment, and no public updates confirm disciplinary action.
A second, more recent complaint, filed on April 28, 2025, by America First Legal (AFL), a Trump-aligned group, escalates the scrutiny. Prompted by a criminal referral from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, AFL alleges James engaged in mortgage fraud. The claims center on two incidents: in August 2023, James allegedly falsified documents to claim a Norfolk, Virginia, property as her primary residence, securing lower mortgage rates while serving as New York’s AG, potentially violating state residency laws. Additionally, in 2001 and 2019, she reportedly misrepresented a Brooklyn property as having four units instead of five, qualifying for better loan terms. AFL argues these actions breach ethical standards prohibiting dishonesty and deceit, urging a full investigation and James’ resignation, as reported on websites like USA Journal.
James has dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and politically motivated, framing them as retaliation for her Trump prosecution. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, clarified that the Virginia property was purchased for her niece and the Brooklyn discrepancy stemmed from outdated records. The Department of Justice is reviewing Pulte’s referral, but no charges have been filed, and the bar complaint’s outcome remains pending according to reports on Trending Politics.
The complaints have intensified criticism of James, whose 2018 election as New York’s first Black and female AG was historic. Supporters view her as a target of partisan attacks, noting the complaints’ ties to Trump allies. Critics, including voices on social media, amplify unverified claims of sanctions or election interference, though no evidence supports such outcomes.
The New York Committee on Professional Standards has not disclosed whether investigations are underway, leaving James’ professional standing intact for now. As the DOJ reviews the mortgage fraud allegations, the controversies underscore the polarized climate surrounding James’ tenure. Observers await further developments, with the potential for significant legal and political ramifications in one of America’s most influential attorney general offices.
