NORFOLK, Va. — New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime political opponent of former President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty Friday to one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution.

James appeared in a Norfolk federal courtroom for her arraignment. She acknowledged her rights herself, which were read by the judge, and entered her plea directly: “Not guilty, Judge, to both counts.”

A jury trial has been initially scheduled for Jan. 26, 2026. Both the government and the defense agreed on the date. The trial is expected to last no more than two weeks, with prosecutors estimating they will call eight to 10 witnesses.

Defense attorneys for James alluded to the possibility of further motions to dismiss the indictment before the trial

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