New York Attorney General Letitia James has entered a not-guilty plea to federal mortgage fraud charges in a contentious case pushed by United States President Donald Trump.On Friday, James appeared in court for the first time after the Trump administration accused her of misrepresenting a property investment to get more favourable loans.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listShe faces one count of bank fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution, both of which carry a maximum of 30 years in prison.Her hearing on Friday was held before a federal court in Norfolk, Virginia. When asked for her plea, James responded, “Not guilty, judge, to both counts.”Her trial is set to begin on January 26.Speaking to supporters afterwards outside the courtroom, James characterised the case as President Trump’s attempt to wield the legal system against his political rivals.She is the third Trump critic, after former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director James Comey and ex-national security adviser John Bolton, to face criminal charges over the past month.“This is not about me. This is about all of us — and a justice system which has been weaponised, a justice system that has been used as a tool for revenge,” James told the crowd outside the courtroom.Paraphrasing the Bible, she reaffirmed her belief that justice will prevail.“There’s no fear today. No fear, no fear,” she said, leading the crowd in a chant. “Because I believe that justice will rain down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Advertisement She was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month. New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to supporters in Norfolk, Virginia [John Clark/AP Photo]The attorney general has long been a target of President Trump’s ir …
