The Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly issued a wave of roughly 40 subpoenas targeting various affiliates of former President Donald Trump.
The subpoenas appear to be targeting people involved with some of the legal strategies calling into question the 2020 presidential election results, according to The New York Times.
The recipients have described the subpoenas as “uniquely broad,” indicating that the DOJ is casting a wide net.
Among those subpoenaed was former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik.
Kerik’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, scorned the nature of the order, saying, “This has to be the stupidest subpoena I’ve ever seen [the] DOJ issue. … This looks more like […] a fishing expedition.”
Entrepreneur and prominent election skeptic Mike Lindell claimed that the FBI stopped him at a Hardee’s restaurant in Mankato, Minnesota, on September 13. After asking a number of questions pertaining to the 2020 elections, the law enforcement officials reportedly took Lindell’s phone.
President Donald Trump denounced the action on Truth Social, writing, “We are now officially living in a Weaponized Police State, Rigged Elections, and all. Our Country is a laughing stock all over the World. The majesty of the United States is gone.”
Other people subjected to the recent investigations include political advisors Mike Roman and Dan Scavino. Also subpoenaed was Trump legal advisor Boris Epshteyn, who had his cell phone confiscated.
The DOJ and FBI have been criticized for allegedly acting in a partisan manner and pursuing any legal strategy that might hurt Trump while turning a blind eye to allegations surrounding President Joe Biden and his son. The FBI has been accused in recent years of partisan interference, racial targeting, and potentially illegal activities.
The DOJ has declined to comment about the nature of the ongoing investigation into the events surrounding the January 6 Capitol protest.
