Lawyer for New York AG blasts Trump for 'retribution’

>>A lawyer for New York Attorney General Letitia James sent a lengthy letter to the Justice Department on Thursday, attacking President Donald Trump for "improper political retribution" as the government scrutinises her real estate transactions.

- JONAH BROMWICH

Abbe Lowell, a high-profile lawyer retained by Ms James in recent days, was responding to a criminal referral letter sent to the Justice Department last week by Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Mr Pulte's letter focused on two houses that Ms James owns in Virginia and New York. It said that she "appeared to have falsified records" related to the properties, which might have allowed her to receive favourable loan terms.

But Mr Lowell, in his letter to US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Mr Pulte's allegation lacked "any credible foundation". He characterised them as "the next salvo in President Trump's revenge tour against Attorney General James"

"The stunning hypocrisy of President Trump's complaint that the Justice Department had been 'politicized' and 'weaponized' against him is laid bare as he and others in his administration are now asking you to undertake the very same practice," Mr Lowell wrote to Ms Bondi.

The hiring of Mr Lowell is a sign Ms James is taking the threat against her seriously. Mr Trump has promised retribution for his enemies and has eagerly promoted the claims against Ms James. Mr Trump's allies, including his long-time adviser Roger Stone, boosted the claims online for weeks before Mr Pulte included them in his letter.