The House Judiciary Committee, led by Chair Jim Jordan, has taken action against New York Attorney General Letitia James for failing to provide information regarding a former Justice Department official involved in prosecuting former President Trump in the Manhattan hush-money trial. Jordan's recent letter to James reiterated a previous request made on May 15 for details about the official's prior employment at the New York Attorney General’s Office.
The Committee had set a deadline of May 29 for James to comply with their request, but as of now, she has not responded. The Committee is concerned about politically motivated prosecutions by state and local officials and is seeking transparency in this matter.
Jordan emphasized the importance of oversight in such cases, citing the Committee's responsibility to uphold civil liberties and ensure fairness in the criminal justice system. He pointed out that Congress has a vested interest in preventing politically motivated prosecutions of current and former Presidents, particularly in cases where prosecutors are popularly elected.
The letter also highlighted the upcoming testimony of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the former Justice Department official before the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on July 12, following Trump's sentencing in the case.
Prior to this development, Jordan had sought information from Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the Justice Department's involvement in the local prosecution of Trump. The DOJ responded, clarifying that there was no contact between federal prosecutors and those handling the hush money case in New York.
Bragg, who is in his first term as Manhattan’s district attorney, has been at the center of the Trump-related prosecutions. He and the former Justice Department official had previously collaborated on matters related to Trump at the New York attorney general’s office.
As the Committee continues its oversight efforts, it remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the legal proceedings surrounding the former President.
