In a stunning new chapter of ongoing political drama, former President Donald Trump has launched a fresh and pointed accusation against Senator Adam Schiff, claiming the longtime Democratic lawmaker engaged in mortgage fraud involving his Maryland home — a charge Schiff strongly denies.
This latest allegation deepens an already bitter rivalry between the two men, with Trump branding Schiff a “scam artist” and demanding he be “brought to justice.” While the accusations are explosive, the facts remain hotly contested — and no official charges have been filed.
Still, the case has sparked a wave of public curiosity, especially about the rules surrounding Fannie Mae mortgage requirements, primary residence declarations, and what really happened behind the closed doors of Schiff’s finances.
Trump’s Truth Social Post: “A Pattern of Mortgage Fraud”
On Tuesday morning, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to accuse Schiff of engaging in what he called a “sustained pattern of possible mortgage fraud.”
According to Trump, Schiff bought a home in Maryland in 2009 — while serving in Congress — and falsely labeled it his “primary residence” to allegedly secure a more favorable mortgage. The former president claims this misrepresentation allowed Schiff to take advantage of reduced interest rates typically reserved for full-time homeowners.
Trump stated that Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division had uncovered the suspicious activity and that Schiff’s refinancing of the property in 2009, 2011, and 2013 showed a deliberate effort to manipulate the system.
“Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in MARYLAND to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America, when he must LIVE in CALIFORNIA because he was a Congressman from CALIFORNIA,” Trump wrote. “I always knew Adam Schiff was a Crook.”
He continued, “The FRAUD began with the refinance of his Maryland property on February 6, 2009, and continued through multiple transactions until the Maryland property was correctly designated as a second home on October 13, 2020.”
Despite the fiery tone, Trump offered no documented proof to support his allegations.
When Pressed, Trump Softens the Claim — But Doubles Down on Schiff
Later in the day, during a brief exchange with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, Trump appeared to slightly walk back the specificity of his claim.
“I don’t know about the individual charge, if that even happened, but Adam Schiff is a serious lowlife,” he said.
When asked what he meant by wanting Schiff “brought to justice,” Trump replied, “I’d love to see him brought to justice,” without offering further clarification.
The Accusation: Was There Mortgage Fraud?
So what exactly is the allegation?
According to Just the News, Schiff had identified both his California and Maryland properties as “principal residences” on various mortgage and election documents over the years — a move that has raised eyebrows among critics.
Records reportedly show that Schiff labeled the Maryland home as his primary residence during at least three refinancing events, while also indicating that his Burbank, California apartment was his primary address on separate paperwork.
Critics claim that this dual designation may have violated the terms of his loan, potentially triggering scrutiny from lenders and even federal agencies.
However, legal experts point out that Congressional representatives are not required to live full-time in the state they represent. The Constitution only mandates that a member be an inhabitant of their state at the time of election — not necessarily for the duration of their term.
That technicality could prove critical in determining whether any wrongdoing occurred at all.
A Mysterious Tip From a Political Opponent
The entire issue appears to have come to light thanks to Christine Bish, a Republican real estate professional from Sacramento who previously ran for Congress. Bish, acting as a self-styled “real estate detective,” filed an ethics complaint against Schiff, claiming his mortgage documentation raised red flags.
Though Schiff’s team has dismissed her findings, the public nature of the accusation has now turned the issue into a political firestorm — one that could have long-term consequences for Schiff’s reputation.
Schiff Responds: “Baseless Political Retaliation”
Unsurprisingly, Senator Schiff has not taken the attack lightly. In a statement posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he accused Trump of launching yet another baseless smear campaign driven by political vengeance.
“Since I led his first impeachment, Trump has repeatedly called for me to be arrested for treason,” Schiff wrote. “So in a way, I guess this is a bit of a letdown. And this baseless attempt at political retribution won’t stop me from holding him accountable. Not by a long shot.”
His spokesperson further pushed back against the fraud claim, stating that the lenders involved in both mortgages were “fully aware” of Schiff’s year-round use of both properties and his status as a member of Congress.
“He has always been completely transparent about this,” the spokesperson said, declining to confirm whether the Maryland home was officially designated as a primary residence on the loan documents.
Fannie Mae, when contacted, said it could not comment on the matter.
What Happens Now?
At this time, no legal action has been taken against Schiff, and no independent agency has confirmed Trump’s allegations. However, the controversy touches on a broader public interest in mortgage fraud investigations, especially when they involve elected officials.
For older Americans — many of whom have navigated home loans, refinancing, and changing real estate laws — the story resonates deeply. It’s not just a political scandal; it’s a reminder of how fine the line can be between financial maneuvering and legal risk.
Whether the accusations amount to wrongdoing or political noise remains to be seen. But in a political season already packed with drama, this is one story that’s unlikely to fade quietly.
