President Trump claimed the U.S. attorney in Virginia who didn't pursue a case against New York's attorney general Letitia James was fired following earlier reports he resigned.
Why it matters: Trump has a history of demanding Justice Department officials target his personal political enemies, but the president provided a different, unrelated rationale for Erik Siebert's ouster.
What he's saying: Trump wrote in a Truth Social post late Friday that he withdrew Seibert's nomination when he "was informed that he received the UNUSUALLY STRONG support" of the two Democratic senators from Virginia.
- The president was referring to that fact that Siebert was backed by Democratic Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia.
- "He didn't quit, I fired him! Next time let him go in as a Democrat, not a Republican," Trump added.
Catch up quick: Siebert, who was also investigating former F.B.I. director James B. Comey, was unable to prove with other prosecutors that James committed mortgage fraud when purchasing a home in 2023, ABC and NBC News reported.
- Siebert had also declined to prosecute Comey based on allegations brought by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, according to the Washington Post.
State of play: The Trump administration has repeatedly dangled mortgage fraud as a tool against its perceived political enemies.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director William Pulte alleged this year that James had "falsified bank documents and property records to acquire government backed assistance and loans and more favorable loan terms."
Context: James has been a frequent foe of Trump, who has slammed her as "biased and corrupt."
- A federal judge in 2023 agreed Trump committed fraud by overstating his wealth as part of a civil cause brought by James. However, the roughly $465 million fine was tossed out on appeal.
- "She will not be intimidated by bullies — no matter who they are," James' attorney said in April.
Zoom in: Mortgage fraud is not the same as making a paperwork error in a mortgage document.
- It is specifically defined as a material misstatement, misrepresentation or omission related to a mortgage loan.
Go deeper:
- Trump admin goes after N.Y. AG who won civil fraud trial against president
- Trump team makes mortgage fraud its newest revenge tool
Axios' Erica Pandey contributed reporting to this story.
