New York Attorney General Letitia James addressed the media outside the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 24, 2025, after attending a hearing concerning her not guilty plea to mortgage fraud charges. In her latest legal motion filed on November 7, James requested a federal judge to dismiss the criminal case against her, asserting that it is a retaliatory action from President Donald Trump following her civil fraud lawsuit against him and his family business. Her attorneys argue that the charges represent a ‚vindictive‘ prosecution aimed at punishing her for her criticism of Trump and fulfilling her responsibilities as the state’s attorney general. A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment on the matter. James faces allegations of bank fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution regarding her Virginia property. She has maintained her innocence and accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the justice system for revenge. Notably, she previously won a $450 million civil fraud judgment against Trump for fraudulently inflating his net worth to deceive lenders, although a state appeals court later dismissed this penalty while upholding the fraud liability. James’ situation mirrors that of former FBI Director James Comey, who is also fighting a similar indictment argued on grounds of vindictive prosecution. Legal experts indicate that while claims of vindictiveness can be challenging to prove, James and Comey may have compelling cases. The indictments against both are being pursued by Lindsey Halligan, who was installed as the federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia at Trump’s urging. A court hearing to address James’ claims is set for December 5. Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by David Gregorio.