US Justice Department official Aaron Reitz don write Senator Richard Blumenthal, dey demand say make e keep all documents wey concern im investigation into donors wey fund White House ballroom project.
Reitz, wey be US attorney for Southern District of Texas, claim inside letter say Blumenthal investigation dey amount to threatening citizens for associating with President Donald Trump and other public officials. E warn say if Blumenthal no comply, e go face ‘significant legal consequences.’
Reitz also cite federal conspiracy against rights statute and federal deprivation of rights under color of law statute. For one post with copy of letter attached, e equate Blumenthal investigation into anonymous donors for the roughly $400 million project on White House grounds with wielding Congress as a ‘weapon’ against Americans. ‘I’m taking the first step to stop this abuse of power,’ Reitz talk.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, second-highest-ranking official for Justice Department, respond to Reitz post. E talk say First Amendment expressly prohibit Congress from infringing speech and association rights of Americans, and say Justice Department go defend against threats to those rights.
White House also warn congressional Democrats on Wednesday say efforts to investigate administration fit be crime.
But Blumenthal no gree. For statement, e say he ‘will not be intimidated,’ and vow to ‘vigorously pursue investigations into this Administration’s persistent misuse of taxpayer dollars and any corporate entity that has enabled their boundless corruption.’
E accuse Trump Administration say dem dey afraid of transparency and oversight, and dey weaponize Justice Department to baselessly target Congress in direct violation of Constitution.
Blumenthal na top Democrat on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The subcommittee dey study economics and efficiency of government operations. Last month, e send letters to people wey Washington Post report identify as donors wey give private funds for ballroom construction. One news release say he dey lead inquiry into waste, fraud, and abuse associated with White House ballroom and other projects for nation’s capital.
President Donald Trump bin vow to release names of private donors, but e only make partial list public. Some donors don acknowledge their donations, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, wey dey under investigation by Nvidia and FBI for affair with alleged Chinese spy. Trump defend Huang for remarks to reporters this week.
