Trump Accuses Senator Schiff of Mortgage Fraud in Fiery Online Attack; Schiff Fires Back

President Donald Trump launched a pointed attack on Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Tuesday morning, reviving past accusations from the 2024 campaign trail that claim Schiff committed mortgage fraud by misrepresenting his primary residence over several years. Schiff swiftly denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and without merit.

In a Truth Social post, Trump referred to Schiff as a “scam artist,” alleging that the Democratic senator falsely claimed a Maryland property was his primary residence to secure more favorable mortgage terms. According to Trump, Schiff began misrepresenting the residence status in 2009 when he first obtained a mortgage on the property, though he did not label it as a second home until 2020. Trump tied the accusations to Fannie Mae, asserting—without presenting evidence—that its Financial Crimes Division uncovered the purported fraud.

“Shifty Adam Schiff always gave me the sense he was hiding something. Now we learn from Fannie Mae’s investigators that he engaged in what appears to be years of mortgage fraud,” Trump claimed in his post. “He used a Maryland property to get a cheaper mortgage while representing California in Congress. It’s a disgrace. He should be held accountable.”

Trump alleged that the pattern began with a refinancing deal in early 2009 and continued through at least 2013, suggesting Schiff benefited from improperly categorized home loan agreements while holding elected office. He also asserted that the Maryland property was eventually reclassified as a second home in October 2020, implying a quiet admission of wrongdoing.

“Mortgage fraud is serious,” Trump continued. “Schiff scammed the system while acting like a public servant. This corruption can’t be ignored any longer.”

Pressed by reporters later that day, Trump seemed to soften his stance slightly, admitting he was not sure about the specific charges. “I don’t know the exact details or whether any of that happened the way it’s being reported,” he said. “But I can tell you this: Schiff is a disgrace to the Senate and the country.”

When asked directly by Fox News’ Peter Doocy what he meant when he said Schiff should be “brought to justice,” Trump replied, “I’d love to see him brought to justice, absolutely.”

In response, Schiff dismissed the accusations as a continuation of Trump’s long-standing political vendetta. Speaking to supporters in a video posted to social media, he said, “This is nothing more than another baseless smear attempt from a man who has never accepted being held accountable himself. He’s angry about impeachment, and he’s using the same tired tactics of personal attack and distraction.”

Schiff has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, particularly since leading the first impeachment effort against the former president during his time in the House of Representatives. Now serving as a senator, Schiff claims Trump is attempting to tarnish his reputation ahead of potential legal battles and political showdowns.

In the face of the renewed allegations, Schiff’s office released a statement dismissing the charges as “completely unfounded.” A spokesperson said, “The mortgage lenders involved in both homes were fully aware of then-Congressman Schiff’s official duties and his year-round use of both residences. Neither home was a vacation property. There was no deception or misrepresentation.”

The spokesperson declined to directly confirm whether the Maryland home had been classified as a primary residence at the time, instead emphasizing Schiff’s transparency throughout the mortgage process.

The accusations originated from earlier investigations by private citizens, including Christine Bish, a Republican congressional candidate from California who previously filed an ethics complaint against Schiff. Bish argued that Schiff had listed both his Maryland and California homes as “principal residences” on various financial and political documents over the years—actions she claims suggest deception for financial benefit.

Reports have indicated that Schiff refinanced the Maryland property in at least three separate transactions—2009, 2011, and 2013—labeling it as his principal residence on each occasion. Meanwhile, in election filings and other documents, he also identified his California property as his main address. In 2020, documentation reportedly updated the Maryland home to reflect its status as a secondary residence.

While the Constitution only requires members of Congress to be residents of their elected state at the time of election, questions about consistency in legal and financial filings have raised eyebrows among critics.

Schiff brushed off the controversy, tying Trump’s latest remarks to the broader pattern of retribution. “He’s obsessed with trying to discredit his political opponents,” Schiff wrote on X. “From calling for my arrest to pushing conspiracies—none of it changes the facts. And none of it will stop me from doing my job.”

As of now, neither Fannie Mae nor any federal enforcement agency has confirmed or substantiated the claims. Fannie Mae declined to comment on the matter.