READ: Republicans Go After IG Report That Criticized Trump DC Hotel Lease

Donald Trump logo signs surrounding the Old Post Office Pavilion, currently being converted into a Trump International Hotel, in downtown Washington, D.C., on July 12, 2015. Photo by Kristoffer Tripplaar *** Please U... Donald Trump logo signs surrounding the Old Post Office Pavilion, currently being converted into a Trump International Hotel, in downtown Washington, D.C., on July 12, 2015. Photo by Kristoffer Tripplaar *** Please Use Credit from Credit Field *** MORE LESS
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Congressional Republicans sent a letter demanding an explanation from a federal watchdog critical of the decision-making process around the lease on Trump’s D.C. hotel today.

The move appears to be a bid to assist the president as investigations into his businesses appear poised to heat up.

The letter – sent by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) – requests that the General Services Administration’s inspector general provide documents related to whether it evaluated the case.

“The GSA OIG report cited no evidence of improper interference in GSA’s decision-making process concerning the Old Post Office Building,” the letter reads.

The GSA’s Inspector General issued a report on on Jan. 16 criticizing the agency for “ignoring” questions over whether the Trump Org’s lease of the government-owned Old Post Office building might violate the Constitution’s emoluments clause.

The Republicans who sent the letter question why the IG spent time in the report on a lengthy discussion of the constitutional law issues at hand, and also allege that the watchdog failed to mention Justice Department arguments defending Trump’s ownership of the building in the report.

The letter – also signed by Reps. Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Sam Graves (R-MO) – asks the watchdog to provide the investigation’s case file, a “personnel and time log” for officials involved with constitutional law research on the probe, and description of the body’s policies and incorporation of GSA comments into the report.

Read the letter below:

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Notable Replies

  1. Are they sure they want this information?

  2. The Repubs continue to follow Donnie’s lead in undercutting the respect for our institutions of government and the system of checks and balances in general. It can only be characterized as “aiding and abetting” in that onslaught. Deplorable and despicable behavior.

  3. So long as the House Committee Chairmen also get copies, no problem.

    Because somehow I suspect otherwise there will be selective leaks…

  4. The GOP must continue its coverup of its corruption.

  5. The GOP will never let go of this jackass - ever!

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

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