GOP Senator Lindsey Graham criticized NBC journalist Kristen Welker during a segment on “Meet the Press” after she commented on the prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James. James was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia last Thursday.
The Department of Justice charged Letitia James with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The allegations concern a mortgage loan for a property she owns in Norfolk, Virginia, known as the Perrone Property. According to the indictment, James was required to use this property as her secondary residence and was prohibited from renting it out or entering into any shared ownership arrangement that would give others control over its occupancy or use.
The indictment also states that James reported the Perrone Property as an investment property on her Schedule E tax form and paid taxes on rental income from it, which contradicted her claim that it was a secondary residence.
During the television appearance, Graham responded to Welker’s comments about the case and about broader issues regarding prosecutions of political figures. He said, “You didn’t care that Letitia James made up charges that no one’s ever faced! That Alvin Bragg made up charges no one ever faced!” He continued, “This may bother you that people are being held accountable — It doesn’t bother me one damn bit.”
Welker referenced concerns about maintaining an independent Justice Department under President Trump. Graham countered by pointing out what he described as selective concern from media figures regarding prosecutions initiated during different administrations.
Letitia James previously campaigned with promises to pursue legal action against former President Donald Trump before seeing evidence in his case. She later sued Trump and sought a judgment exceeding $400 million against him and attempted to seize his assets despite there being no identified victim.
A superseding indictment for James is reportedly expected soon.
