House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) wants the Department of Justice to provide his committee information “concerning improper political interference” by President Donald Trump.
In a letter sent to Attorney General William Barr on Friday, Nadler asks for information on decisions related to cases involving associates of the president and career officials at the FBI.
“I write in advance of our March 31 oversight hearing in order to request information concerning improper political interference, including by President Trump, in enforcement matters handled by the Department of Justice.”
He adds, “These circumstances are deeply troubling. Although you serve at the President’s pleasure, you are also charged with the impartial administration of our laws. In turn, the House Judiciary Committee is charged with holding you to that responsibility.”
Nadler continues to request information regarding the decision to recommend shorter sentences for Roger Stone and former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.
Additionally, he asks for information about “a series of inquiries into the conduct of career law enforcement officials and investigations related to President Trump and the 2016 election.”
However, Nadler said his committee was not only focused on criminal cases but also allegations that Trump used the Antitrust Division for his personal interests.
“Our concerns, however, are not limited to politically motivated intervention in criminal matters. We have previously written the Department concerning the President’s apparent efforts to deploy the Antitrust Division for political or personal interests.”
Nadler asks that Barr let several current and former officials testify. He also asks that Barr provide communications between Trump, and other White House officials, and Justice Department officials regarding the cases listed in the letter.
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), the ranking member of the committee, blasted Nadler’s request, and alleged that House Democrats were trying to “distract from the job they’ve failed to do, which is reform FISA.”
“The Democrats’ request today is yet another attempt to distract from the job they’ve failed to do, which is reform FISA and finally address the abuse that has plagued our nation over the last three years. The only political interference our committee should be examining is the FBI’s unlawful surveillance of Carter Page and the Trump campaign.”
“The fact that Democrats sent these requests just two days after cancelling our FISA markup and putting our national security at risk is further proof that they care about one thing and one thing only: Attempting to take down President Trump,” Collins added.
Democrats called for an investigation into alleged political interference in the Roger Stone case after the Justice Department recommended a shorter sentence.
Prosecutors initially recommended Stone receive seven to nine years in prison after he was convicted on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. However, the Justice Department called that recommendation “extreme” and recommended a shorter sentence.
After the controversy arose, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said she would proceed with the sentencing as originally scheduled. She sentenced Stone to three years and four months in prison on February 20.
Trump has denied that he pressured the Justice Department to recommend a shorter sentence for Stone. And, Barr said he was already mulling recommending a short sentence before Trump weighed in on the case on Twitter.
Nadler’s letter gives Barr a March 13 deadline to respond to his requests.