Recently, the news emerged that the Trump Justice Department had subpoenaed and obtained communications data for two Democratic members of Congress alongside staffers and family members of both members. The Trump administration went after that information as part of an investigation into the leaks of government information, but trying to conduct surveillance in any form of two of the then-president’s political opponents constitutes a glaring abuse of power. Connected to the issue, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) — the chair of the House Intelligence Committee and one of the two Democrats who were targeted — is calling for an expansive investigation into Trump era Attorney General Bill Barr.
Schiff commented as follows:
‘We need a full accounting of the Trump DOJ’s abuse of power targeting Congress and the press. An IG investigation is just the start. The full range of the misconduct must be examined, including Barr’s efforts to protect those who lied to cover up, and go after Trump’s enemies.’
We need a full accounting of the Trump DOJ’s abuse of power targeting Congress and the press.
An IG investigation is just the start.
The full range of the misconduct must be examined, including Barr’s efforts to protect those who lied to cover up, and go after Trump’s enemies.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) June 11, 2021
The inspector general (IG) investigation that Schiff referenced is unfolding at the Justice Department, where Inspector General Michael Horowitz recently announced that his team will be examining the targeting of Schiff and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), in addition to investigating previously revealed efforts by the Trump administration to obtain communications data for reporters from major outlets. Previously, Schiff also noted in reference to the leak investigation targeting him that the “baseless investigation, while now closed, is yet another example of Trump’s corrupt weaponization of justice. And how much he imperiled our democracy.”
In addition to the inspector general investigation, Democratic leaders in the Senate have announced their own investigation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Judiciary Committer chair Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) have insisted that Barr and fellow Trump era Attorney General Jeff Sessions must testify about these issues. If Barr and Sessions don’t testify willingly, then Schumer and Durbin indicated that the former Trump administration officials should expect subpoenas.
