U.S. attorney threatens Democratic senator with prosecution for conducting oversight

By Natalie Hausmann

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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) speaking to reporters near the Senate Subway at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz directed Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to preserve all documents related to what he claims are threats against those allied with President Donald Trump. 

“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 USC statutes 241 and 242,” Reitz’s Wednesday letter said.

Reitz threatened legal action if Blumenthal and his team do not comply. The Connecticut senator spearheaded an investigation into donors to Trump’s ballroom and related family business deals.

“You are obligated to preserve all potentially relevant evidence related to your efforts to suppress associational activities for philanthropic projects throughout the nation’s capital,” Reitz wrote.

Since winning majorities in both congressional chambers last week, Democrats promised to seek accountability through investigative oversight. The White House responded by repeatedly threatening to prosecute those who speak out or plan to follow through with constitutionally protected oversight duties.

Reitz’s letter marks a significant escalation in these threats, warning of “significant legal consequences” if Blumenthal, a ranking member of the U.S. Senate’s Subcommittee on Investigations, does not turn over the information Reitz wants.

“This demand applies to you, your staff, employees, agents, consultants, campaign personnel, and any other person acting on your behalf or in concert with you,” Reitz added.

While Reitz told Blumenthal he was barred from “terrorizing” Americans, Reitz himself faced intense backlash after he threatened Texans at the start of early voting. The top federal prosecutor took to social media to give voters a message: “I will hunt you down and prosecute you,” Reitz said.

Reitz gave Blumenthal a deadline of Nov. 18 to respond to his letter and prove he has “taken steps to preserve the materials described above.”