President Donald Trump has reignited a fierce feud with Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), accusing him of mortgage fraud in a scathing Truth Social post on July 15, 2025. The allegations, which center on Schiff’s dual residency claims in California and Maryland, have sparked a heated debate about accountability, political retribution, and the seriousness of mortgage fraud. This controversy, rooted in a criminal referral from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to the Justice Department, adds fuel to the longstanding animosity between the two political figures.
The Allegations Against Schiff
Trump’s accusations stem from claims that Schiff misrepresented his primary residence to secure favorable mortgage terms. According to Trump, Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division concluded that Schiff engaged in a “sustained pattern of possible mortgage fraud” by declaring his Maryland home as his primary residence while serving as a congressman from California. Trump alleges that Schiff’s actions, which began with a 2009 refinance of his Maryland property and continued until it was redesignated as a second home in 2020, were an attempt to “rip off America” by obtaining a cheaper mortgage.
The issue first surfaced in 2023 when questions arose about Schiff’s residency status. Schiff, who led Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2020, purchased a condo in Burbank, California, in 2009 and claimed it as his primary residence, securing a $7,000 property tax reduction. Simultaneously, he listed his Maryland home as his primary residence for loan purposes, a move that allegedly allowed him to benefit from lower mortgage rates. It was not until 2020 that Schiff updated the designation of his Maryland property to reflect it as a second home.
A senior administration official told The Post that the FHFA, which oversees Fannie Mae, sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department, urging further investigation. The official emphasized the severity of the allegations, noting that Schiff could face a criminal count for each mortgage payment made under the allegedly fraudulent terms.
Trump’s Call for Justice
In his Truth Social post, Trump did not hold back, labeling Schiff a “scam artist,” “crook,” and “pencil neck.” He wrote, “I always knew Adam Schiff was a crook. Mortgage Fraud is very serious, and CROOKED Adam Schiff (now a Senator) needs to be brought to justice.” Trump framed the issue as part of his broader push for “oversight and accountability,” contrasting it with what he calls the Democrats’ politically motivated investigations against him over the past decade. He referenced President Biden’s recent comment to The New York Times, which described Trump’s actions as “vindictive.”
Trump’s rhetoric underscores a personal and political vendetta against Schiff, who, as the former House Intelligence Committee chair, was a key figure in investigating Trump’s ties to Russia and leading his 2020 impeachment trial over allegations of pressuring Ukraine to investigate the Biden family. Schiff’s role in these high-profile actions has made him a frequent target of Trump’s criticism.
Schiff’s Defense
Schiff swiftly denied the allegations, dismissing them as “baseless” and a form of “political retribution.” In a statement posted on X, he wrote, “Since I led his first impeachment, Trump has repeatedly called for me to be arrested for treason. 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.” Schiff’s spokesperson further clarified that the lenders for both properties were fully aware of Schiff’s congressional service and his year-round use of both homes, neither of which were vacation properties.
Schiff also took a swipe at Trump, suggesting the allegations were an attempt to distract from Trump’s own controversies, specifically referencing “his Epstein files problem.” This retort highlights the ongoing tit-for-tat between the two, with Schiff refusing to back down in the face of Trump’s accusations.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding Schiff’s residency is not just a personal dispute but part of a broader narrative of political warfare. Trump’s call for “justice” aligns with his ongoing efforts to scrutinize Democrats who have pursued investigations against him. Meanwhile, Schiff’s defiance reflects his commitment to challenging Trump, even as he faces serious allegations that could carry legal consequences.
Mortgage fraud, as alleged by Trump, is a significant offense that involves misrepresenting information to secure better loan terms. If proven, it could lead to substantial penalties, including criminal charges for each fraudulent transaction. However, Schiff’s team insists that all disclosures were transparent and that the dual residency was justified given his congressional duties.
What’s Next?
As the Justice Department reviews the FHFA’s criminal referral, the nation watches to see whether Schiff will face formal charges or if the allegations will be dismissed as politically motivated. For now, the feud between Trump and Schiff continues to captivate political observers, highlighting deep divisions and the enduring power of personal and partisan grudges in Washington.
This unfolding story raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the fine line between political strategy and legal wrongdoing. As both sides dig in, one thing is clear: the battle between Trump and Schiff is far from over.
