Trump Revives Mortgage Fraud Allegations Against Senator Adam Schiff
Former President Donald Trump has once again targeted Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), accusing him of committing mortgage fraud over a property he purchased in Maryland back in 2009. The claims surfaced Tuesday on Trump’s Truth Social account, where he alleged that Schiff improperly declared the Maryland residence as his primary home to secure lower mortgage rates.
“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,” Trump wrote.
According to Trump, the arrangement started with a refinancing deal in February 2009 and continued until 2020, when the home was reclassified as a secondary property. Schiff has dismissed the accusations outright, labeling them politically motivated and baseless.
A Rivalry Years in the Making
Schiff rose to prominence as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee during Trump’s first impeachment inquiry, becoming one of the former president’s most outspoken critics. Today, Schiff serves as a California senator and continues to be a frequent target of Trump’s ire.
The renewed allegations echo similar charges Trump floated during the 2024 campaign, suggesting the feud is not only personal but also strategic, aimed at undermining Schiff’s influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Property Dispute
Property records confirm that Schiff bought a home in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 2009. Trump argues that Schiff wrongly listed it as his primary residence to receive favorable mortgage terms — benefits typically not available to second homes or investment properties.
Critics claim such a misclassification could have saved Schiff tens of thousands of dollars over time. Trump has gone further, pointing to supposed insider information from Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division, though no official reports or investigations have substantiated these claims.
Residency Rules Versus Representation
The Constitution requires members of Congress to be “inhabitants” of the states they represent but does not demand they live exclusively in their districts. Many lawmakers maintain residences near Washington, D.C., while keeping homes in their home states.
Schiff’s allies argue his Maryland designation was practical and consistent with what many members of Congress do. Trump and his supporters, however, frame it as financial misrepresentation that deserves scrutiny.
Trump’s Escalating Language
In typical fashion, Trump amplified his rhetoric online, calling Schiff a “scam artist” and “crook.”
“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,” Trump posted.
When asked later about the specifics, Trump seemed less certain, saying: “I don’t know about the individual charge, if that even happened, but Adam Schiff is a serious lowlife.”
Schiff Pushes Back
Senator Schiff responded quickly, rejecting the accusations:
“These accusations are baseless and recycled. The facts have not changed, because there are no facts to support them.”
He stressed that maintaining a residence near D.C. is both common and necessary for members of Congress and insisted that all mortgage and disclosure rules were followed.
Expert and Analyst Perspectives
Legal experts note that while mortgage fraud is a serious federal crime, proving it requires clear evidence of intentional deception. Georgetown housing law professor Christopher Alton 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 see the dispute more as a strategic narrative than a legal matter. Dr. Helena Moore of George Washington University remarked:
“This is largely about optics. For Trump’s supporters, Schiff symbolizes corruption, whether the claims hold up legally or not.”
Political Fallout
The timing is no accident. With midterm elections on the horizon, Republicans are eager to expose weaknesses among high-profile Democrats. For Trump, reigniting his feud with Schiff bolsters his anti-establishment messaging and energizes his base. Democrats, on the other hand, accuse him of weaponizing conspiracy-style attacks for political gain.
As of now, no investigation into Schiff’s mortgage history has been launched, and Trump’s references to insider sources remain unverified.
A Battle That Won’t End Soon
The renewed clash underscores not only Trump and Schiff’s personal animosity but also the broader trend in U.S. politics: weaponizing personal finances and alleged misconduct as partisan tools.
For Trump, this is about painting Schiff as corrupt and untrustworthy. For Schiff, it is yet another round in a rivalry defined by accusations, investigations, and mutual contempt.
And with 2026 approaching, this battle is unlikely to fade quietly.