NORFOLK, Va. — New York Attorney General Letitia James accused the Trump administration of using the justice system as a “tool of revenge” after she pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges in a mortgage fraud case the president pressed the Justice Department to bring.

James’ first court appearance in Virginia sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle between the Republican administration and a Democratic longtime Trump foe who angered him with a major civil fraud case she brought against him.

She’s the third Trump adversary to appear before a judge this month on federal charges, amplifying concerns that the president is using the Justice Department to seek retribution after his own legal troubles. Justice Department leaders have defended the cases and argue the Biden administrat

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