Ed Martin, the director of the U.S. Justice Department’s newly formed Weaponization Working Group, has asked New York Attorney General Letitia James to step down only days after opening a mortgage-fraud investigation into her real-estate holdings. In a letter dated Aug. 12 and released this week, Martin wrote that James’s resignation would serve “the good of the nation” and spare New Yorkers a prolonged inquiry. The investigation, launched on Aug. 8, focuses on whether James made false statements about the unit count of her Brooklyn townhouse and misrepresented a Virginia property as her principal residence to obtain more favorable loan terms. Four days after sending the resignation demand, Martin appeared outside James’s Brooklyn home, an unannounced visit that was photographed by the media. James has not been formally accused of wrongdoing. Her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, called Martin’s request and his house call a violation of Justice Department standards that prohibit using prosecutorial power for political purposes. Internal DOJ officials, according to people familiar with the matter, also questioned the propriety of Martin’s actions. The clash comes against the backdrop of former President Donald Trump’s promise to pursue opponents who have challenged him in court. James secured a $454 million civil-fraud judgment against Trump and his companies last year, a decision that is now on appeal. Martin, a former Republican political operative, is also examining similar mortgage allegations against other public figures, including Democratic Senator Adam Schiff.