Background:
Former President Donald Trump has once again targeted Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), reviving decade-old accusations that Schiff committed mortgage fraud related to a property in Maryland. Trump posted the allegations on his social media platform, Truth Social, claiming Schiff falsely claimed the Maryland residence as his primary home to secure better mortgage terms.
The Allegation:
According to Trump, Schiff purchased a home in Maryland in 2009 and improperly claimed it as his primary residence while still officially serving as a Congressman from California. Trump suggests this misrepresentation allowed Schiff to receive lower interest rates reserved for primary residences—potentially saving him money through several mortgage refinancings up to 2020. Trump cited unnamed sources connected to Fannie Mae but provided no official documentation or verified evidence.
Schiff’s Response:
Senator Schiff dismissed the claims as “baseless and recycled,” noting that many lawmakers maintain homes near Washington, D.C., for practical reasons. He insisted that he had complied with all mortgage requirements and legal reporting standards. No formal investigation has substantiated the allegations, and no charges have ever been filed.
Political Context:
This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted Schiff. As chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff played a central role in Trump’s first impeachment proceedings, which has made him a long-standing focus of Trump’s ire. Now a U.S. Senator, Schiff remains a prominent progressive voice and frequent target of conservative media and political attacks.
Legal Perspective:
While mortgage fraud can occur if someone intentionally misrepresents a property’s use to secure better terms, legal experts caution that members of Congress often designate Washington-area homes as primary residences for convenience. Without clear evidence of deliberate deception or a violation of loan terms, such claims are unlikely to hold legal weight.
Trump’s Admission & Political Strategy:
Despite the strong language—calling Schiff a “crook” and “scam artist”—Trump later conceded he wasn’t certain “if that even happened.” The remark suggests a lack of concrete evidence behind the claims and highlights a broader political strategy: using personal financial allegations to discredit opponents ahead of the 2026 midterms.
