President Trump's Pre-Presidency Mortgages Draw Fraud Allegations
President Trump faces mortgage fraud allegations for declaring Florida properties as his principal residence on loan documents before his presidency, while residing in New York.
Overview
Before his presidency, Donald Trump signed multiple mortgages for properties in Palm Beach, Florida, declaring them as his principal residence on the documents.
These declarations were made despite Trump reportedly living in New York at the time and simultaneously renting out the Florida properties.
Critics suggest these actions align with Trump's own past descriptions of mortgage fraud, raising questions about the legality of the transactions.
The White House spokesperson has denied the fraud allegations, stating the mortgages were from the same lender, making self-fraud illogical.
The spokesperson emphasized that the lender would not defraud itself, dismissing claims that President Trump engaged in fraudulent mortgage practices.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by highlighting an alleged pattern of hypocrisy, juxtaposing former President Trump's past mortgage arrangements with his administration's accusations against political targets. They emphasize the "same" type of conduct, creating a narrative where Trump is seen as accusing others of actions he himself allegedly committed. The focus is on drawing direct parallels rather than a nuanced legal comparison.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The allegations claim that before his presidency, Trump falsely declared two Palm Beach, Florida properties as his principal residence on mortgage documents while actually living in New York and renting out those properties, which critics argue constitutes mortgage fraud.
The White House spokesperson denied the allegations, stating both mortgages were from the same lender and it would be illogical for the lender to defraud itself, dismissing claims that Trump engaged in fraudulent mortgage practices.
When a ProPublica reporter asked Trump about the similarity between his Florida mortgages and those he accused others of fraud, Trump hung up the phone and did not provide a direct comment.
According to reports, Trump did not live in either Florida home; instead, both were used as investment properties and rented out during the time the mortgages declared them as his principal residence.
History
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