NORFOLK, Va. – New York Attorney General Letitia James accused the Trump administration of using the justice system as a “tool of revenge” after she pleaded not guilty Friday in a federal mortgage fraud case the president pressed the Justice Department to bring.

James’ first court appearance in Virginia sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle between the Republican administration and a longtime Democratic Trump foe who angered him with a major civil fraud case she brought against him. She’s accused of lying on mortgage papers to get favorable loan terms when purchasing a modest house in Norfolk, where she has family .

James is the third Trump adversary to appear before a judge this month on federal charges, amplifying concerns that the president is using the government’s law en

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