House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, wrote a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James threatening to issue a subpoena if she does not provide information regarding a former Justice Department official who played a role in prosecuting former President Trump in the Manhattan hush-money trial. In the letter, Jordan mentioned that he had initially reached out to James on May 15, asking for details and documents related to the official’s previous employment at the New York Attorney General’s Office. The Committee had requested this information by May 29, but James has yet to respond or comply with the request.
Jordan emphasized the Committee’s commitment to overseeing politically motivated prosecutions by state and local officials, pointing out that prosecutors like New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg have been targeting former President Trump. He highlighted the involvement of the former prosecutor from James’ office, who is now a senior official in the Biden Administration, in Bragg’s prosecution of Trump. The Committee is seeking information regarding this official’s tenure at the New York Attorney General’s Office.
The letter also mentioned that Congress has broad oversight powers recognized by the Supreme Court, allowing inquiries into the administration of laws and ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system. Jordan cited Rule X of the House Rules, which authorizes the Judiciary Committee to oversee criminal justice matters to inform potential legislation.
Additionally, Jordan expressed concerns about preventing politically motivated prosecutions of current and former Presidents by elected state and local prosecutors, particularly in jurisdictions like New York County. He argued that such prosecutions could impact how Presidents exercise their powers while in office. The Committee reiterated its request for information from James and set a deadline for her response.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the former Justice Department official are scheduled to testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on July 12, following Trump’s sentencing in the case. Before Trump’s recent verdict, Jordan had written to Attorney General Merrick Garland seeking information on the Justice Department’s involvement in the local prosecution of the former President. The DOJ responded, stating that there was no contact between federal prosecutors and those involved in the hush-money case.
Bragg, who is serving his first term as Manhattan’s district attorney, oversaw the prosecution of Trump’s company in a separate tax fraud case before indicting Trump last year. He and the former Justice Department official had previously collaborated on Trump-related matters at the New York Attorney General’s office. During the trial, the official delivered the opening statement and questioned witnesses, including former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks.