Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University

With the indictment on Oct. 9, 2025, of New York Attorney General – and longtime Donald Trump adversary – Letitia James on two criminal counts related to loans for a home purchase, mortgage fraud is back in the news.

Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, is also being investigated by the Department of Justice for allegedly making false statements when applying for a mortgage. Members of Donald Trump’s Cabinet are accused of similar wrongdoings. Could any of these people go to prison?

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