Jim Jordan Seeks Probe of Judge Who Sanctioned 2 Trump Lawyers in $10 Billion IRS Case
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 22
Jim Jordan Seeks Probe of Judge Who Sanctioned 2 Trump Lawyers in $10 Billion IRS Case
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 22
Summary
Jim Jordan and Darrell Issa asked the Judicial Conference to investigate U.S. Judge Kathleen Williams, arguing her July 13 sanctions order against two Trump lawyers showed misconduct and judicial bias.
Williams punished Alejandro Brito and Daniel Epstein after Trump had already voluntarily dismissed his $10 billion IRS lawsuit in May, saying the plaintiffs manipulated the court to secure a later settlement.
Jordan's letter says the timing was suspect and argues Williams relied on an amicus brief from Democracy Defenders Action after the dispute had ended, with no clear Eleventh Circuit precedent for such post-dismissal sanctions.
The underlying case stemmed from the leak of Trump's tax returns; a subsequent administration settlement included a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, an apology and limits on future IRS audits of Trump and his family.
The fight adds to broader Republican attacks on what they call activist judges, while Democrats and some courts have also challenged the settlement, including blocking the anti-weaponization fund.