US attorney and Senate Dem spar in dueling letters demanding records preservation: 'I will not be intimidated'
U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz ordered Sen. Richard Blumenthal to preserve materials related to alleged constitutional rights violations, prompting the senator to demand Reitz preserve records about his own letter.
In a remarkable exchange of official correspondence, U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz demanded that Sen. Richard Blumenthal preserve all materials pertaining to the senator's alleged intent to deny citizens of their core constitutional rights. The confrontation escalated when Blumenthal responded by ordering Reitz to preserve records related to the decision to issue his own letter.
Reitz's letter, sent Wednesday, specifically referenced an October Blumenthal press release in which the senator demanded information from individuals and company heads regarding donations for President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom project. The U.S. Attorney characterized Blumenthal's actions as intimidating citizens for engaging in philanthropic practices.
Legal Threats
I therefore write to formally give you notice of your obligation to preserve all documents, communications, and other electronically stored information relevant to your intent to deprive citizens of their core constitutional rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242, Reitz wrote in his official capacity.
It is also extraordinary for an elected official to intimidate citizens for engaging in philanthropic practices that will benefit our nation for generations. The American people are entitled to freely associate without elected officials terrorizing them with aggressive, harassing government action.
Congressional Response
Blumenthal, the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, fired back with his own letter dated Nov. 11. He dismissed Reitz's investigation as baseless and part of a pattern of unlawful actions by the Trump administration.
As incoming Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal declared his intention to pursue investigations into the administration's misuse of taxpayer dollars and corporate involvement in boundless corruption. He specifically referenced Trump's vanity projects and potential quid pro quo arrangements with donors.
I will not be intimidated. I will work on behalf of the American people to vigorously pursue investigations into this Administration's misuse of taxpayer dollars and any corporate entity that has enabled its boundless corruption.
Reciprocal Orders
In a tit-for-tat move, Blumenthal directed Reitz to preserve all records and correspondence related to the drafting and posting of his letter, including communications with the White House or senior DOJ officials. The senator suggested Reitz might be protecting corporate donors and Administration officials from legitimate oversight.
The exchange underscores the intensifying battle between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration over investigative authority and oversight. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the escalating standoff, which appears likely to continue as Blumenthal prepares to assume his subcommittee chairmanship.
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