New York Attorney General Letitia James is now facing a situation somewhat reminiscent of a year ago when she pursued charges against former President Donald Trump. While she still has plenty of backing from many left-leaning media outlets, the legal ground seems less solid this time around.

A federal grand jury recently indicted James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. This case came to light on October 9, in the Eastern District of Virginia. Interestingly, it echoes claims from a civil suit James previously initiated against Trump for similar fraudulent practices in securing more favorable loan conditions.

After winning her civil fraud case against Trump, the media hailed James for what they termed a pattern of misleading business conduct under New York State law. They emphasized her strategic approach and the significant evidence she presented in court.

CBS News legal analyst Ricky Klieman noted that the February 2024 verdict was a major win for James, asserting that she was pivotal in igniting these legal proceedings. “This is a substantial victory for Letitia James,” he remarked, emphasizing that she was the driving force behind pushing the case forward. “She really did set this in motion, and it’s clear that she has a lot to celebrate.”

A political strategist, Leecy Colbert, remarked in March 2024 that James emerged as the true victor in her confrontations with Trump. Colbert pointed out the significance of a black woman holding a former president accountable, stating, “She went after Donald Trump thoughtfully and with a solid case.”

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also voiced his support for James, encouraging others to “leave her alone.” He described her as an intelligent and principled public servant he has known for many years.

The charges against James are tied to a 2020 property purchase in Norfolk, Virginia, where she allegedly misrepresented the home’s status on her loan application. Instead of claiming it as a primary residence, she reportedly rented it out to secure better terms on her mortgage, enabling her to save a substantial amount over the loan’s duration. Allegedly, she saved nearly $19,000 through these misstatements.

A visit to the property by reporters in April raised questions about James actually residing there, as it appeared uninhabited. Legal commentator Jonathan Turley discussed the implications of the charges, which might seem hypocritical given James’s own criticisms of Trump for misleading financial representations.

He noted, “The irony here is quite rich—she’s been at the forefront of indicting Trump for similar offenses.” He added that the documentation related to her case appears quite damaging.

For James, this could represent a significant downfall. Her past statements regarding truth and accountability in financial matters make the situation even more complex. She previously emphasized that when powerful individuals deceive lenders, hardworking people suffer the consequences. “Different rules shouldn’t apply to different individuals,” she insisted.