Justice Watchdog to Probe Trump-Era Subpoenas of Lawmakers’ Data

  • Top Democrats demand Barr, Sessions testify under oath
  • Secret subpoenas issued in investigations of news media leaks

Bill Barr

Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg
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The Justice Department’s internal watchdog will investigate a Trump-era effort to secretly subpoena data of at least two House Democrats, a revelation that prompted calls from Congress for answers from former attorneys general Bill Barr and Jeff Sessions.

Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz said Friday he is initiating a review of the department’s use of subpoenas to get communications records of members of lawmakers as well as members of the news media in connection with investigations into leaks.