Letitia James, who won a $450M judgment against Trump, now faces an FBI investigation fueled by Trump allies.
The Hunter Becomes the Hunted?
Hey Small Biters,
The cycle of political vengeance, once whispered, now roars.
This week, news broke that federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, following a referral from Trump administration officials. At the heart of the case? Claims she misrepresented her residency on mortgage documents for properties in Virginia and New York.
The FBI has launched a multipronged inquiry, empaneling a federal grand jury in Virginia and enlisting agents from both the Eastern District of Virginia and New York. The investigation began gaining traction in late April, sending shockwaves through political and legal circles.
For Trump and his allies, the moment is rich with symbolism. James, after all, led the charge that resulted in a $450 million civil fraud penalty against the former president. Now, they claim, she herself may have violated the law by declaring a Virginia property as her primary residence while serving as New York’s attorney general.
James's team calls the allegations baseless, a clear act of political retribution. Her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated in a letter to the DOJ that the residency designation was a mistake, not fraud. He added that James had informed the mortgage broker that she had no intent to live in Virginia and the broker understood this.
The grand jury reportedly reviewed a power of attorney form dated August 2023, which included the disputed claim. Trump allies are using it as a cudgel, not only to attack James personally but to undermine the legitimacy of the civil fraud judgment.
It’s a move that feels less about justice and more about scorched-earth politics. In the words of Lowell: "This appears to be the political retribution President Trump threatened to exact."
The charges have gained momentum within MAGA circles, who argue James’s disputed Virginia residency made her ineligible to serve as AG during the trial. If true, they say, the entire verdict could be at risk.
There are also claims that she received improper financial benefits — namely, a lower mortgage interest rate — by attesting to owner-occupancy status. However, legal experts note that unless James intentionally misled the lender, the situation is unlikely to rise to the level of criminal fraud.
Separately, the referral includes allegations that James purchased a Brooklyn property in 2001 by characterizing it as a four-unit home, despite a certificate of occupancy labeling it as five. Her team disputes this too, citing multiple city records identifying the building as four units and stating it was always used as such.
The referral was initiated by William Pulte, the head of the federal housing agency. Critics argue the timing and substance of the investigation are designed to settle political scores rather than pursue genuine wrongdoing. In a year where Trump and his allies have vocally targeted prosecutors, judges, and journalists, the investigation is being widely interpreted through a partisan lens.
Trump’s allies have quickly amplified the accusations in right-wing media, eager to portray the investigation as validation that James acted illegally and politically. The tactic echoes familiar themes: turn the prosecutor into the accused, weaponize bureaucracy, and blur the lines between oversight and retaliation.
Despite the noise, James remains focused. Her office continues to handle high-profile cases, including financial oversight of former Trump Organization activities and investigations into state-level corporate misconduct. If anything, this probe may only galvanize her base — who view her not as a rogue figure but a courageous bulwark against authoritarianism.
What’s at stake isn’t just James’s legal standing. It’s the perception of American law enforcement itself. Can the DOJ withstand pressure from political operatives? Can facts prevail over vendettas?
As the grand jury continues its review, no charges have been filed. But the spectacle alone has already served its purpose: to muddy waters, inflame supporters, and attempt to rewrite the story of accountability Trump fears most.
✍️
The sword of justice swings two ways,
but truth, it seems, can be twisted to play.
The hunter stalked, the gavel turned,
as law and vengeance blur and burn.
🧭 A Small Bite to Carry
When the hunter becomes the hunted, truth is placed on trial.
We should not confuse the pursuit of justice with the thrill of revenge — nor allow investigations to serve as smokescreens for those who fear being held accountable.
In turbulent times, it’s not enough to demand law and order. We must ask: whose law? Whose order? And who benefits when the scales are tilted just enough to punish those who dared to tip them first?
US Stocks
US stocks climb on trade optimism
Trade optimism fueled another day of gains for US stocks as President Donald Trump trumpeted a trade deal with the UK and raised the prospect of lower tariffs on China.
The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, the Nasdaq 100 rose 1%, and the Russell 2000 led the way with a 1.9% advance.
The day’s gains were led by Axon Enterprise, Palantir, and Delta Air Lines. Match Group led the declines, falling 9% after the Tinder parent reported a drop in paid users and announced plans to cut 13% of its workforce.
Boeing climbed 3% following comments made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that the UK would soon announce a $10 billion order.
Coinbase rose 5% after the crypto trading platform signed a $2.9 billion deal to acquire Deribit, the largest bitcoin options platform, just hours before dropping earnings.
Quantum computing company D-Wave soared more than 50% after announcing record revenues, with CEO Dr. Alan Baratz optimistic on the outlook for future system sales.
Peloton shares felt the burn, dipping nearly 7% after the fitness tech company reported its third straight year-over-year decline in sales in its Q3 results.
Crocs shares jumped nearly double digits after the quirky shoe brand posted a strong first-quarter beat but withdrew its full-year guidance as global trade pressures loom.
Warner Bros. Discovery shares jumped nearly 5% after a report from CNBC said the company may split its traditional cable business from its popular streaming platforms.
What Else Are We Biting
Trump weighs naming Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as D.C.'s top federal prosecutor.
Bitcoin crosses $100,000 as UK-US trade deal is announced.
Bill Gates tells his foundation to spend it all by 2045.
Biting Fact Of The Day
Palantir lost its crown as the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 for 2025 yesterday.
news broke that federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, following a referral from Trump administration officials. At the heart of the case? Claims she misrepresented her residency on mortgage documents for properties in Virginia and New York.
It’s disgusting that they all allow the manchild his spite & temper tantrums.