New York Attorney General Letitia James has raised allegations that former President Donald Trump has dispatched individuals to surveil her residence. This claim surfaced while James attended a church service; she reported that people were seen taking photos outside her home and streaming the images on social media. The Attorney General characterized these actions as part of a "revenge tour" by Trump, which she connects to a $454 million civil judgment her office secured against him. The accusations came to light as James spoke in support of City Council President Adrienne Adams' bid for mayor during an event in Harlem.
Letitia James, whose primary residence is in Brooklyn, New York, did not clarify which of her homes was the target of the alleged surveillance. The issue is particularly sensitive as another property she owns in northern Virginia has become a focal point in a federal investigation. This scrutiny arises amid claims that James may have falsely represented this Virginia home as her main residence while serving as New York's top legal officer. Notably, New York law requires the attorney general to maintain residency within the state during their term and for five years prior.
“They got individuals coming to my house, standing outside my house. Last Sunday — church Sunday while I was in church — these individuals were in front of my house, taking pictures and then streaming it, putting it on social media.” — Letitia James, May 3, 2025, at Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network headquarters in Harlem. New York Post
The case took a more serious turn when William Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, referred allegations suggesting James may have falsified residency information in her mortgage applications. For example, a Brooklyn property purchased by James in 2001 was reportedly documented as having fewer units than it actually does, potentially qualifying her for more favorable mortgage terms and access to federal housing aid.
As the U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation on May 7, federal authorities, including FBI agents and prosecutors, began examining real estate records related to James and her family. The inquiry's focus includes how the properties in Virginia and New York were reported in loan and tax documents, some of which list James's elderly father as an owner.
In response to these mounting legal challenges, James has engaged the services of attorney Abbe Lowell, known for representing high-profile clients like Hunter Biden and Jared Kushner. New legislation passed by New York Democrats could allow James to draw on up to $10 million in taxpayer-funded legal defense as she is targeted by this federal probe.
While James has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation and the documents in question, her legal team is reportedly preparing to address the allegations. During her Harlem appearance, she did not offer concrete proof of the alleged surveillance but implied a political motive, tying the incidents to her legal battles with Trump. To date, federal officials have not publicly confirmed the details or expected duration of the investigation. James continues to serve as New York's Attorney General amidst the ongoing inquiry.