Letitia James challenges charges filed by Trump’s former lawyer

New York Attorney General Letitia James faces a federal arraignment hearing today in Virginia on charges her supporters say are politically driven.

(CNN)- New York Attorney General Letitia James — known for winning a civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump — faces a federal arraignment hearing today in Virginia on charges her supporters say are politically driven.

James is charged with two felony counts — bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution — related to mortgage paperwork.

Her campaign allies say the case is retaliation. “Tish James is being attacked because she had the audacity to hold Donald Trump to the same laws that each and every New Yorker should be held to,” said Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for New York City mayor.

In a court filing, James is asking for dismissal, arguing the case is invalid due to the “unlawful appointment” of U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan — Trump’s former personal attorney and the sole signatory on the indictment. The document carries no signatures from career Justice Department prosecutors, raising further scrutiny.

James’ filing recommends consolidating her motion with that of former FBI Director James Comey, who is making a similar claim about Halligan’s appointment.

“Even if these two cases went away, other defendants are gonna say Lindsey Halligan is not properly appointed,” said legal scholar Ryan Goodman, adding that the issue will likely advance through the courts.

Critics argue the charges against both Comey and James are acts of revenge, not legitimate prosecutions. Trump has repeatedly attacked both officials for investigating him.

“You go after these people and they say how horrible you are, and yet I got indicted five times and impeached twice,” Trump said.

James, meanwhile, remains steadfast as she continues to defend her record — and her office’s pursuit of Trump in ongoing appeals of fraud rulings against him.