New York Attorney General Letitia James finds herself in the spotlight once again, this time reaching out to her supporters for substantial financial backing.
This comes on the heels of accusations from the Trump administration alleging fraudulent activities related to several properties she owns. The fundraising effort is centered around an event scheduled for Tuesday, with contributions ranging from $500 to a staggering $18,000, the maximum permissible under New York law, aimed at bolstering her 2026 re-election campaign.
According to The New York Post, the invitation to the fundraiser prominently features a photograph of James encircled by a gay pride flag. The event is set to take place at the residence of Rod Grozier and Rob Smith, both known for their left-wing activism.
Smith, notably, is the CEO and founder of The Phluid Project, a company specializing in gender-neutral clothing. The event page on ActBlue, a fundraising platform aligned with progressive causes, states, Letitia James is fighting for our rights every single day. This is our opportunity to show Letitia that we have her back.
The allegations against James have escalated to a federal criminal referral, focusing on claims that she falsely declared a property in Norfolk, Virginia, as her "principal residence" in official documents dated August 2023. This property, purchased with her niece, raises questions about her compliance with New York's residency requirements for attorneys general, which mandate a minimum five-year residency in the state prior to election and throughout their tenure.
Despite owning a home in Brooklyn, James signed a power of attorney document for the Virginia property, asserting her intention to make it her primary residence. However, neighbors in Virginia reportedly told The Post they have never seen her at the location.
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte has outlined these allegations in a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. The referral accuses James of potentially serious offenses, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution.
Additionally, it highlights discrepancies in the reported number of units in a Brooklyn building she owns, which could affect mortgage terms. James is accused of claiming the building has four units, while city records indicate five, a critical distinction for mortgage qualification.
In response, James' office has criticized the Trump administration for what it describes as the "weaponization of the federal government," while offering some clarification regarding her property ownership. However, her spokesperson has notably refrained from directly refuting the allegations. As the situation unfolds, questions linger about the potential legal ramifications for James and the impact on her political future. The unfolding drama underscores the contentious intersection of politics and legal accountability, with James' actions under intense scrutiny.
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