Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) this week, accusing the longtime political rival of committing mortgage fraud tied to a Maryland home he purchased while serving in Congress. Schiff has dismissed the claims as unfounded.
Trump’s Accusation
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump labeled Schiff a “scam artist” and alleged that he misrepresented the property as his primary residence in order to secure favorable mortgage terms. According to Trump, Schiff bought the Maryland home in 2009, refinancing it under conditions reserved for primary residences, but did not formally list it as a second home until 2020.
Trump further claimed that Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division had investigated the matter and identified a pattern of possible misconduct.
“Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in Maryland to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America,” Trump wrote, adding that the supposed fraud “continued through multiple transactions” until the property was correctly designated years later.
The president did not provide evidence to support his claims.
Schiff Pushes Back
Schiff, who entered the Senate in January 2025 after years representing California in the House, has previously rejected the allegations. He has maintained that his real estate and financial disclosures comply with all legal requirements and that his residency in California was never in question during his tenure in Congress.
While the Constitution requires members of the House to reside in the state they represent, it does not prevent them from owning or claiming other properties elsewhere.
Trump Doubles Down, Then Softens
When pressed by reporters on Tuesday, Trump initially stood by his remarks, repeating his desire to see Schiff “brought to justice.” However, he later suggested he was not certain about the specific details of the mortgage allegation, instead returning to a broad denunciation of Schiff’s character.
“I don’t know about the individual charge, if that even happened, but Adam Schiff is a serious lowlife,” Trump said during a White House exchange with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy.
A Long-Running Rivalry
The clash is the latest in years of political warfare between the two men. Schiff rose to national prominence during the Trump impeachment hearings, becoming one of the former president’s most vocal critics. Trump, in turn, has repeatedly attacked Schiff in speeches, social media posts, and interviews, often branding him with derogatory nicknames.
The resurfaced allegations come at a time when Trump is pushing his party to scrutinize Democratic officials more aggressively, while Schiff has sought to position himself as a leading voice against what he calls Trump’s “abuses of power.”
Legal and Political Implications
Mortgage fraud is a federal offense that can carry significant penalties. However, no charges have been filed, and there is no indication that federal prosecutors are actively investigating Schiff.
Still, Trump’s comments could fuel partisan battles in Congress, where Republicans may use the accusations to press for additional oversight of Schiff’s financial dealings. Democrats, meanwhile, are likely to frame the allegations as yet another baseless political attack from a president known for targeting rivals.