President Donald Trump has once again targeted Sen. Adam Schiff, this time accusing the California Democrat of mortgage fraud and calling for him to face jail time. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump referenced recently declassified documents suggesting that the Obama administration ‘manufactured and politicized intelligence’ to create the narrative of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 presidential election. This comes as the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a criminal referral to the Department of Justice over Schiff’s alleged falsification of bank documents and property records. The allegations span from 2003 to 2019, with Schiff purportedly benefiting from more favorable loan terms for a property in Potomac, Maryland. Schiff, a longtime political rival, has dismissed the charges as a continuation of Trump’s attacks, emphasizing that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at undermining his credibility. The FHFA’s involvement highlights the seriousness of the allegations, as the agency oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Schiff’s office has not responded to recent inquiries, adding to the controversy surrounding the case.
Trump’s accusations are not new; he has long targeted Schiff for his role in the Russia collusion investigation, which he claims was a ‘coup’ against his presidency. The declassified documents, released by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, allegedly show that Obama and his national security team intentionally created a narrative to subvert the will of the American people. This narrative, which led to the yearslong Russia collusion probe, was a direct result of Trump’s 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton. Schiff, who was one of the lead figures in the House’s investigation, has consistently defended his actions, arguing that the charges are baseless and part of Trump’s ongoing political vendetta. As the case moves forward, the implications for both Schiff and the broader political landscape remain significant.
Despite the political heat, the allegations of mortgage fraud are serious and could lead to legal consequences for Schiff. The FHFA’s referral to the Department of Justice indicates that there is a legal basis for the claims, which could result in further investigations. As the case unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see whether the allegations hold water or if they are indeed part of a broader political attack. The situation continues to reflect the ongoing tensions between Trump and Schiff, with each side accusing the other of political misconduct and hypocrisy.