On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) responded to claims made by House Judiciary Republicans that it had coordinated with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office in its prosecution of former President Donald Trump. The DOJ conducted a comprehensive search for email communications since January 20, 2021, through the date of the verdict, between any officials in Department leadership and the District Attorney’s office regarding any investigation or prosecution of the former president. No such communications were found.
The letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) emphasized that the District Attorney’s office is a separate entity from the DOJ, which does not supervise its work or approve its charging decisions. The Department has no control over the District Attorney, and the DA has no control over the Department.
The department expressed concern over Republicans on the committee asserting that the DOJ had colluded with District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, calling it “irresponsible.” They stated that their efforts to respond to these speculations should put them to rest.
A jury in Manhattan found former President Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to payments he sent to a former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to allegedly bury stories that could harm his 2016 election chances. The former president denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
Earlier this year, Mr. Jordan had requested documents and communications between the DOJ and Mr. Bragg’s office. General counsel Leslie Dubeck informed him in a letter issued on June 7 that the Office is committed to voluntary cooperation but noted scheduling conflicts with the proposed date for a hearing.
After being convicted, former President Trump announced his intention to appeal the verdict and called on the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the case before his sentencing date. Outside of Manhattan, the former president has been charged in Washington, Florida, and Fulton County, Georgia, in relation to a range of alleged crimes. The former president has pleaded not guilty to those counts as well.