President Donald Trump has unleashed a firestorm of criticism against Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), accusing him of mortgage fraud, according to The Daily Wire.
This saga revolves around a criminal referral by the Federal Housing Finance Agency to the Department of Justice, targeting Schiff’s property designations in Maryland and California, which Trump and others have called into question over potential fraud spanning nearly two decades.
Let’s rewind to 2003, when Schiff first designated his Maryland home as his primary residence, a seemingly mundane decision that would later spark suspicion.
It stayed that way for years, with no apparent issues on the surface. But eyebrows started to raise when more details emerged about his property dealings.
In 2009, Schiff purchased a condo in Burbank, California, and also designated it as his primary residence, creating a curious overlap with his Maryland claim. This dual designation allowed him a $7,000 reduction on California’s property tax, a perk that has fueled allegations of gaming the system.
Also in 2009, specifically on February 6, Schiff refinanced his Maryland property, an action that Trump and others have pointed to as the starting point of alleged fraud. The timing of this refinance, paired with the dual residency claims, has only deepened the skepticism among conservatives who value fiscal integrity.
Fast forward to October 13, 2020, when Schiff redesignated his Maryland property as a second home, a move that some see as an attempt to correct the record after years of questionable status. Critics argue this change came far too late to erase the shadow of doubt.
By 2023, during Schiff’s Senate campaign, the issue gained traction as media outlets like CNN reported on the refinance and redesignation of the Maryland home as a secondary residence.
Social media posts and records from that time suggested Schiff and his family were still primarily based in Maryland, with his son attending school there. This discrepancy has only added fuel to the fire for those questioning his residency claims.
Trump didn’t hold back, taking to Truth Social with sharp words: “I have always suspected Shifty Adam Schiff was a scam artist.”
He went on to claim that the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s findings point to a “sustained pattern” of possible fraud, a charge that resonates with conservatives tired of perceived double standards in politics. But is this just rhetoric, or does it hold water under legal scrutiny?
Schiff, for his part, dismissed the accusations as a “baseless attempt at political retribution,” suggesting this is merely Trump settling old scores. Such a response might sound plausible to some, but it sidesteps the core issue of why dual residency claims were made in the first place. For many on the right, this feels like a dodge rather than a defense.
Interestingly, real estate law experts cited by CNN in 2023 argued that Schiff might be “in the clear” due to vague language in California law.
While this offers a potential shield, it doesn’t erase the ethical questions that linger for those who believe public officials should uphold the highest standards. Ambiguity in law shouldn’t be a free pass for questionable behavior, right?
Adding another layer, The National News Desk reported that Schiff didn’t claim tax breaks on his Maryland home, which some might see as a point in his favor. Yet, for conservatives, this detail doesn’t negate the broader concern over whether he exploited residency rules for financial gain elsewhere.
Trump doubled down, calling Schiff a “crook” who “needs to be brought to justice,” a sentiment echoing the frustration of many who feel elites play by different rules. While the language is strong, it taps into a real unease about accountability among political figures.
Schiff’s history with Trump, including his prominent role in pushing now-debunked narratives about Russia collusion during Trump’s first term, adds a personal edge to this dispute. For many on the right, this backstory makes Schiff a less-than-credible figure, casting doubt on his current explanations.
A senior Trump administration official told the New York Post this matter “is extremely serious” and accused Schiff of not treating it with the gravity it deserves. Such a statement underscores the belief among conservatives that this isn’t just political theater but a genuine issue of trust in public office.