Chicago Prosecutors Probe Democratic Firm Over $468 Harris Payment After GOP Referral
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 16
Chicago Prosecutors Probe Democratic Firm Over $468 Harris Payment After GOP Referral
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 16
Summary
A yearlong Chicago federal probe into Authentic Campaigns remains unresolved, with no follow-up subpoenas issued after prosecutors sought the firm's internal communications with top Democratic clients.
The subpoena was later narrowed to a $468 payment from Kamala Harris's campaign and emails between former vice president Loren Merchan and her father, Judge Juan Merchan.
House Judiciary Republicans triggered the inquiry with a criminal referral after the firm refused to hand over confidential emails tied to claims that Trump's 2024 hush-money prosecution was politically motivated.
Mike Nellis, the firm's founder, called the case an abuse of power and a fishing expedition aimed at sensitive communications of Democrats whom Trump views as political adversaries.
The investigation underscores how U.S. attorneys' offices have been drawn into Trump's broader effort to challenge and scrutinize the actors around the trial that ended in his 34-count felony conviction.