Former President Donald Trump has revived accusations of mortgage fraud against Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), claiming Schiff misrepresented his Maryland home as a primary residence to obtain favorable loan terms.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Schiff “ripped off America” by classifying the Maryland property, purchased in 2009, as his main home while serving in Congress from California. He claimed the arrangement persisted through multiple refinancings until 2020, citing unnamed Fannie Mae sources, though no official report has been released.

Schiff quickly dismissed the allegations, calling them “baseless and recycled,” and emphasized that many lawmakers maintain residences near Washington for practical reasons. He said he has complied with all reporting and mortgage requirements.

The feud between Trump and Schiff stretches back years. As chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff led questioning during Trump’s first impeachment, making him a frequent target of Trump’s attacks. Now a senator, Schiff remains a progressive voice and a lightning rod for conservative criticism.

At the heart of Trump’s claim is whether Schiff’s Maryland home qualified as a primary residence. Federal guidelines grant lower rates for primary homes compared to second properties or rentals, potentially saving borrowers significant sums. Critics argue this could have benefited Schiff financially.

Legal experts caution, however, that designating a Washington-area residence as primary is common for members of Congress and not necessarily fraudulent. Mortgage fraud requires clear evidence of intentional deception, something no investigation or report has yet produced.

For Trump, the allegations fit a broader narrative portraying Schiff as corrupt. He labeled him a “scam artist” and “crook” online but later admitted he was unsure “if that even happened.”

The episode underscores both Trump’s escalating rhetoric and the ongoing political weaponization of personal finances as the 2026 midterms approach.