By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/sen-blumenthal-says-federal-prosecutor-attempting-to-investigate-him-for-conducting-an-inquiry Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Sen. Blumenthal says federal prosecutor attempting to investigate him for conducting an inquiry Politics Nov 12, 2026 5:29 PM EST Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday he received a letter from a U.S. attorney informing him he's being investigated for conducting a congressional inquiry. Blumenthal, who is set to chair the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations when the Democratic majority takes control of the Senate next year, said the implied investigation is baseless. READ MORE: The full letter the White House's top lawyer sent Rep. Garcia over threats to investigate Trump In his own letter to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Aaron Reitz, Blumenthal said the public has a right to know under what circumstances corporations donated millions of dollars to projects Trump supports. He directed Reitz to preserve records and correspondence with the White House and senior Justice Department officials related to Reitz's letter. "I will not be intimidated,"…
Sen. Blumenthal says federal prosecutor attempting to investigate him for conducting an inquiry
In short
The standoff began after a federal prosecutor notified incoming Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations leader Richard Blumenthal of the inquiry into his committee work. Blumenthal rejected the investigation as baseless and demanded the preservation of all communications between prosecutors and the White House. Attorney General Todd Blanche previously cautioned Democrats against using oversight powers to intimidate companies or the administration. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the executive branch's move, arguing it improperly protects corporate donors at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Key points
- Federal prosecutors are challenging a sitting senator's authority to conduct congressiona…: Federal prosecutors are challenging a sitting senator's authority to conduct congressional inquiries into corporate donations linked to Donald Trump.
- Blumenthal will assume the leadership of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigati…: Blumenthal will assume the leadership of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations when Democrats claim the chamber's majority next year.
- Top Democrats including future House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries argue the administration is…: Top Democrats including future House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries argue the administration is weaponizing the Justice Department to protect corporate allies.