White House Counsel Will Scharf warned planned House probes could cross into criminality
White House Counsel Will Scharf warned in a Monday letter that some planned House investigations of the Trump administration could cross into criminality, escalating a dispute over congressional oversight. The letter went to Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who is poised to lead the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee when Democrats take control in January.
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The Associated Press reported that Scharf wrote that threats aimed at deterring executive-branch officials from public service, or processes meant to abuse or frighten recipients, could constitute “blatant criminality.” NBC News reported that the letter said the administration was “monitoring” Democrats’ “abusive and capricious threats.”
Garcia responded that Congress is “a co-equal branch” and would not be deterred by “baseless threats,” NBC reported. He also said the Constitution gives Congress “wide latitude” to investigate the administration.
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Reporting behind this story
- Los Angeles Times — White House warns of criminal inquiries into House Democrats who investigate Trump
- PBS News (with Associated Press) — White House sends warning to Democrats about investigating the Trump administration
- NBC News — White House warns congressional Democrats: Investigating us may be a crime
- ABC News — Top White House lawyer warns Democrats that threats of oversight could be criminally probed
- New Hampshire Union Leader — White House warns Democrats against aggressive oversight
- punchbowl.news — White House threatens House Dems on investigations