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Former President Donald Trump has reignited his ongoing feud with Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) by publicly accusing him of  mortgage fraud related to a property Schiff purchased in Maryland in 2009. The latest allegations came on Tuesday via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he claimed that Schiff improperly designated the Maryland home as his primary residence to obtain more favorable mortgage terms.

In his post, Trump wrote, “Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in MARYLAND to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America, when he must LIVE in CALIFORNIA because he was a Congressman from CALIFORNIA.” According to Trump, this alleged misrepresentation began with a refinancing transaction in February 2009 and continued until October 2020, at which point the property was reclassified as a secondary residence. Schiff has consistently denied these accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks without any factual basis.

A Feud Years in the Making

Adam Schiff first gained national attention as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee during President Trump’s first impeachment inquiry. His aggressive questioning and outspoken criticism quickly made him one of Trump’s most vocal opponents. Since then, Schiff has been elected as a U.S. Senator from California and has become known as a progressive voice in the Senate. He has also become a frequent target for conservative criticism, with Trump regularly highlighting Schiff as an example of what he terms “deep state corruption.”

The renewed mortgage fraud allegations echo similar accusations Trump made during the 2024 presidential campaign. They reflect a continuation of his efforts to undermine Schiff politically ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The Property Dispute

Public property records confirm that Adam Schiff purchased a residence in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 2009. Trump alleges that Schiff incorrectly listed this home as his primary residence, thereby qualifying for lower mortgage interest rates and other financial benefits reserved for primary residences.

Federal mortgage guidelines do indeed offer more favorable terms for primary homes compared to second homes or investment properties. Critics of Schiff’s mortgage history argue that this misclassification could have saved him tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.

Trump has claimed that Schiff maintained this arrangement through multiple refinancing transactions, citing unnamed sources within Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division. However, no official investigation or report has been released to substantiate these claims.

Residency Versus Representation

It is important to note that the U.S. Constitution requires members of Congress to be “inhabitants” of the states they represent, but it does not require them to live exclusively within their congressional districts at all times. Many members of Congress maintain a residence near Washington, D.C., due to the demands of their job, while keeping additional homes in their home states.

Supporters of Schiff argue that designating the Maryland property as his primary residence was a practical and common choice for many lawmakers who spend significant time in the nation’s capital. They emphasize that this is a normal practice and does not constitute fraud. On the other hand, Trump and his allies maintain that this practice amounts to deliberate misrepresentation for personal financial gain and should be investigated thoroughly.

Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric

On his Truth Social platform, Trump escalated his rhetoric by calling Schiff a “scam artist” and a “crook.” He stated, “The FRAUD began with the refinance of his Maryland property on February 6, 2009, and continued through multiple transactions…  Mortgage Fraud is very serious, and CROOKED Adam Schiff (now a Senator) needs to be brought to justice.” When pressed by reporters about the specifics of the allegations, Trump appeared to soften his stance slightly, saying, “I don’t know about the individual charge, if that even happened, but Adam Schiff is a serious lowlife.”

Schiff Responds

In response to Trump’s renewed accusations, Senator Schiff issued a statement firmly denying the claims: “These accusations are baseless and recycled. The facts have not changed, because there are no facts to support them.” Schiff emphasized that owning a residence near Washington, D.C. is a common and necessary practice for many members of Congress. He assured the public that he has fully complied with all  mortgage regulations and disclosure requirements.

Expert Opinions

Legal experts specializing in housing law note that mortgage fraud is a serious federal offense, but proving such a case requires clear evidence of intentional misrepresentation. Christopher Alton, a housing law professor at Georgetown University, explained, “Merely owning two homes and designating one as your primary residence at different times does not inherently constitute fraud. Without concrete documentation, it is impossible to definitively determine wrongdoing.”

Political analysts suggest that the controversy is more about narrative than legal substance. Dr. Helena Moore, a political science professor at George Washington University, commented, “This is largely about political optics. For Trump’s supporters, Schiff has become a symbol of perceived corruption, whether or not the legal case holds.”

Political Fallout and Context

The timing of Trump’s accusations is notable, as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Republicans are actively seeking vulnerabilities within the Democratic Party, and Trump’s attacks on Schiff are seen as part of this broader strategy. Meanwhile, Democrats accuse Trump of weaponizing unsubstantiated conspiracy theories for political gain. As of now, no official investigation into the mortgage allegations has been launched by regulatory agencies or prosecutors. Trump’s references to insider sources within Fannie Mae have not been confirmed or verified by independent authorities.

This latest clash between Trump and Schiff highlights not only their personal and political animosity but also reflects a larger trend in American politics, where personal finances and allegations of misconduct are frequently weaponized as part of broader partisan battles. For Trump, this ongoing feud is about “bringing Schiff to justice” and weakening a prominent political adversary. For Schiff, it represents yet another chapter in a long-running political rivalry marked by intense opposition and mutual recrimination.