Bondi Appoints Special Prosecutor in High-Profile Cases Targeting James and Schiff

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that she has appointed a special prosecutor to take over the politically charged investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff. Both Democrats face allegations related to misrepresentations on mortgage documents — allegations they strongly deny and characterize as politically motivated.

Bondi revealed the appointment during an interview with Fox News’ Peter Doocy, saying that the choice was made to eliminate even the suggestion of partisan influence in cases that involve two of the administration’s most outspoken critics.

“This is about preserving confidence in the justice system,” Bondi said, adding that the goal is to ensure that any future legal action is grounded in evidence rather than politics. “We want to avoid the slightest appearance of bias.”

Ed Martin Takes Over a High-Tension Assignment

Bondi’s pick is Ed Martin, a conservative attorney and President Trump’s former nominee for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin’s nomination was blocked last year by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who raised concerns about Martin’s prosecutorial experience. Since then, Martin has remained a controversial figure in Washington for his outspoken defense of some January 6 defendants and his leadership role in the Justice Department’s newly formed Weaponization Working Group.

His appointment comes on the same day a grand jury was convened to evaluate potential charges against James. Federal mortgage officials referred the James matter after detecting discrepancies across several real estate filings connected to properties she purchased.

Among the issues reportedly uncovered: documents that appeared to list James’ father as her husband — a classification that could have altered the terms of her loan — and separate filings in which she allegedly underreported the number of units in a Brooklyn property, potentially avoiding required safety upgrades and inspections.

Allegations Against Schiff Also Under Review

Schiff’s case stems from questions about a Maryland home he purchased in 2009, which he designated as his primary residence despite continuing to serve in the U.S. House representing California — a position that requires residency in the state. He did not list the Maryland home as a secondary residence until 2021, according to investigators.

Schiff’s legal team argues that the allegations are baseless and have been repeatedly debunked, accusing the administration of dredging up old claims to target a political foe.

“These accusations are transparently false, stale, and politically motivated,” said his attorney, former U.S. attorney Preet Bharara. He said Martin’s appointment only heightens concerns that the cases are meant to serve political aims. “This is the definition of weaponizing the justice system,” Bharara said.

Democrats Push Back, Calling Probe Retaliatory

Both James and Schiff have argued that the investigations amount to retaliation from the Trump administration, particularly given their long histories of legal and political conflict with the former president.

James’ spokesperson criticized the DOJ’s actions as “deeply troubling,” highlighting her record of taking on high-profile entities, including the National Rifle Association and the Trump Organization. “We will continue to stand up for the people of New York,” the spokesperson said.

James’ personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, went further, calling the subpoenas issued in the case “improper” and accusing the administration of abusing its authority. “Targeting Attorney General James because she successfully litigated against the former president is a dangerous escalation,” Lowell said. “It undermines the rule of law.”

A Broader Investigation Already Underway

This is not the first time James has been scrutinized by federal authorities since Trump returned to office. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in May that a separate probe had been opened regarding James after a Trump administration official alleged she engaged in mortgage fraud. James’ lawyer maintains that the claim is based on a deliberate misinterpretation of real estate filings.

Martin has been involved in that ongoing investigation as well, making him a central figure in two politically volatile cases that have captivated national attention.

A History of Tension Between Trump and His Opponents

The investigations revive long-running disputes. Schiff was one of Trump’s fiercest critics during the Russia investigation and repeatedly claimed he possessed evidence of collusion — evidence that was never publicly produced. James, meanwhile, secured a major civil judgment against Trump and his business empire, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and restrictions. Trump is currently appealing that ruling.

Bondi’s decision to appoint Martin ensures that the cases will move forward with oversight from one of Trump’s ideological allies, a choice that is likely to intensify criticism from Democrats and civil-rights advocates who argue that the Justice Department is being used to settle political scores.

For Bondi, however, the move represents the opposite: an attempt, she says, to shield the cases from accusations of politicization.

Whether Martin’s involvement calms concerns — or inflames them — remains to be seen. What is clear is that both cases will continue to unfold under intense national scrutiny, with the potential to shape political narratives heading into an already charged election cycle.