Schiff isn’t off the hook.
The Department of Justice under President Donald Trump has intensified its investigation into Democrat Sen. Adam Schiff, taking the extraordinary step of launching a grand jury review in Maryland focused on long-standing mortgage fraud allegations. The move signals a major escalation in the federal effort to hold Schiff accountable after years of political controversy.
A Rare Internal Investigation Signals Something Bigger
According to federal sources, the DOJ is not only examining Schiff’s mortgage records but also reviewing how the initial inquiry was handled. This includes looking into whether outside individuals were improperly involved in the investigation — a serious concern for anyone familiar with federal legal standards.
Two major officials aligned with the Trump administration are at the center of these questions:
- Ed Martin, serving as a special attorney for mortgage-fraud enforcement
- Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
The scrutiny is raising new questions about how deep the alleged misconduct surrounding Schiff may go.
Whistleblower Candidate Questioned by Grand Jury
Christine Bish, a California congressional candidate who has said she possesses whistleblower information regarding Schiff’s mortgage filings, was subpoenaed to appear before the newly empaneled grand jury.
However, instead of focusing on the alleged mortgage discrepancies, investigators reportedly concentrated on who Bish had spoken with about her information, including whether anyone claimed to represent the DOJ, Martin, or Pulte.
A subpoena reviewed by The Hill expressed specific interest in these communications — a sign that prosecutors may be tracing a broader network behind the Schiff allegations.
Possible Improper Assistance by Outside Figures
ABC News reports that prosecutors are evaluating whether Martin may have improperly authorized outside actors to assist with the Schiff probe. One of those named in the subpoena is Robert Bowes, a former official in Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development who has publicly stated he works on “Mortgage & Election Fraud.”
Another name included is Scott Strauss, along with anyone “acting at the direction or request of Edward Martin.”
This suggests investigators are mapping out who, if anyone, may have played a role outside proper channels.
Schiff Continues Denying Allegations
Schiff has been under pressure since July, when President Trump publicly accused him of lying on mortgage documents. Schiff responded by claiming that owning multiple homes — one in Maryland and one in California — is typical for Members of Congress.
“So the president today is accusing me of fraud,” Schiff said at the time. “He is using my ownership of two homes to make a false claim of mortgage fraud.”
The DOJ and FHFA declined to comment, and representatives for Martin did not offer a response.
Ripple Effects Across Multiple High-Profile Cases
Any procedural missteps in the Schiff case could affect other ongoing mortgage-related prosecutions pursued under the Trump administration.
These cases include actions involving:
- New York Attorney General Letitia James (D)
- Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
- Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who has also been the subject of a criminal referral by Pulte
This comes as the Justice Department recently admitted that the indictment against former FBI Director James Comey had not been properly presented to a grand jury, a revelation defense lawyers say could lead to its dismissal.
A Major Accountability Push Under President Trump
The renewed scrutiny on Schiff is part of a broader effort by the Trump DOJ to restore trust, enforce the law evenly, and address allegations of misconduct among powerful Washington insiders. A federal grand jury now reviewing the Schiff matter marks a significant moment — one that could reshape the political and legal landscape for months to come.
As this investigation intensifies, the pressure on Schiff continues to build, and many Americans are watching closely to see what the next phase of the DOJ’s crackdown will reveal.
