US Attorney Reitz Orders Blumenthal to Preserve Records, Senator Fires Back Over Trump Donor Probe
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 12
US Attorney Reitz Orders Blumenthal to Preserve Records, Senator Fires Back Over Trump Donor Probe
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 12
Summary
Aaron Reitz, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas, told Sen. Richard Blumenthal to preserve documents tied to an alleged effort to deny citizens constitutional rights through pressure on Trump-linked donors.
Reitz pointed to Blumenthal’s October letters seeking information from people and companies reported to have pledged donations for President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom project.
Blumenthal called the move a baseless attempt to intimidate Congress over a lawful inquiry and said, as incoming chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, he would keep probing the administration and corporate donors.
In a matching demand, Blumenthal ordered Reitz to retain records on the decision to issue and post his letter, including any communications with the White House or senior Justice Department officials.
The exchange deepens a broader clash between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats over oversight, subpoenas and alleged pressure on companies tied to the president.
Where is the legal boundary between constitutionally protected congressional oversight and the unlawful deprivation of citizens' rights under color of law?