New York Attorney General Letitia James, a long-time critic of US President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty in federal court on Friday to charges related to allegedly lying on mortgage documents.

James, a Democrat who last year secured a US$450 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, is one of three perceived enemies that the Republican president’s administration has brought criminal charges against in the past month, along with former FBI director James Comey and former national security adviser John Bolton.

All three have denied wrongdoing.

Appearing before a federal judge in Norfolk, Virginia, James said: “Not guilty, judge, to both counts.” A trial set was set for January 26, 2026.

Outside the federal courthouse, supporters of James gathered with signs where they chanted: “Hey hey! Ho ho! Let Letitia James go!” and “This is what democracy looks like.”

In a fiery speech, a defiant James thanked the crowd for their support after she exited the courthouse.