Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on the North Carolina attorney general to investigate after a report released by The Washington Post alleges Postmaster General Louis DeJoy reimbursed employees for making political contributions to Republican candidates.
“These are very serious allegations that must be investigated immediately, independent of the Trump Justice Department,” Schumer said on Sunday evening.
He added, “North Carolina’s Attorney General — an elected official who is independent of Donald Trump — is the right person to start this investigation.”
These are very serious allegations that must be investigated immediately, independent of the Trump Justice Department
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 6, 2020
North Carolina’s Attorney General—an elected official who is independent of Donald Trump—is the right person to start this investigationhttps://t.co/eL5Z6G6HLl
According to the report, past employees of DeJoy’s former business New Breed Logistics were encouraged by DeJoy or his aides to make donations or attend fundraisers at his mansion.
Two former employees indicated DeJoy would elevate bonus payments to cover the cost of contributions.
Another former employee suggested DeJoy would award additional compensation to certain individuals.
Monty Hagler, a spokesman for DeJoy, argued the postmaster general “believes that he has always followed campaign fundraising laws and regulations.”
Hagler explained DeJoy “encouraged employees and family members to be active in their communities, schools, churches, civic groups, sporting events and the politics that governs our nation.”
He continued, “Mr. DeJoy was never notified by the New Breed employees referenced by the Washington Post of any pressure they might have felt to make a political contribution, and he regrets if any employee felt uncomfortable for any reason.”
Under North Carolina and federal election laws, reimbursing employees for political contributions is not permissible.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) took to Twitter on Sunday to stress DeJoy’s alleged actions were unlawful.
“The swamp in action: DeJoy pressures his employees to make political contributions, and allegedly illegally reimburses them,” Schiff said.
He continued, “Trump appoints him head of USPS, where he degrades mail services that Americans need to vote. This report demands a full, independent investigation.”
The swamp in action:
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) September 6, 2020
DeJoy pressures his employees to make political contributions, and allegedly illegally reimburses them.
Trump appoints him head of USPS, where he degrades mail services that Americans need to vote.
This report demands a full, independent investigation. https://t.co/QhnVrf4glj
The allegations come as DeJoy continues to face criticism from Democrats after they accused him of threatening mail deliveries and the 2020 election by making changes to the agency. DeJoy previously confirmed operational changes would be halted until after the election.