Attorney demands Richard Blumenthal preserve documents in White House ballroom inquiry
Reitz calls for records
Aaron Reitz, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas, sent Blumenthal a letter Wednesday demanding that he preserve documents related to the senator’s investigation. Reitz warned that failing to do so could bring “significant legal consequences.”
In the letter, Reitz accused the inquiry of harassing people for associating with President Donald Trump and other public officials. The investigation is examining anonymous donors to a White House grounds project estimated at roughly $400 million.
Officials dispute inquiry
Reitz shared the letter on X and described the investigation as using Congress as a “weapon” against Americans. The White House also warned congressional Democrats Wednesday that efforts to investigate the administration could be criminal.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, the Justice Department’s second-highest-ranking official, responded to Reitz’s post. McCotter said the First Amendment bars Congress from infringing on Americans’ speech and association rights.
Blumenthal vows to continue
Blumenthal said he would not be intimidated by Reitz’s letter. He pledged to pursue inquiries into what he described as the administration’s persistent misuse of taxpayer funds and corporate entities that enabled corruption.
Key points
- Reitz demanded that Blumenthal preserve records tied to the ballroom donor inquiry.
- The U.S. attorney warned of significant legal consequences for noncompliance.
- Blumenthal said he would continue investigating taxpayer spending and corporate involvement.
- The subcommittee studies the economics and efficiency of government operations.