Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Seeks Clarity on Potential DOJ Investigation

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has written to Attorney General Pam Bondi to request clarity on whether the Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into her activities. The New York Democrat's move comes after border czar Tom Homan made public remarks threatening political prosecution against her. Ocasio-Cortez had hosted a 'Know Your Rights' webinar, where she provided guidance to constituents on how to interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, citing their constitutional and legal rights. She argued that her speech was protected by the First Amendment and that Homan's comments constituted a threat to her rights.

The lawmaker is seeking an update from the DOJ on the status of any potential investigation by March 5 and has copied President Donald Trump on the letter. A spokesperson for the Justice Department acknowledged receipt of Ocasio-Cortez's letter but stated that the agency is currently focused on more pressing matters, including the extradition of violent cartel leaders. This development is the latest example of the tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers, with some accusing the administration of attempting to weaponize the DOJ against elected officials whose speech they disagree with.

In related news, the annual "issues conference" of the House Democrats is scheduled to take place from March 12 to 14, where the party faithful will gather to chart their path back to power. The conference will feature presentations from Democratic governors, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who will discuss their approaches to governing states won by President Trump in 2024. Additionally, the conference will include discussions on rapid response and litigation against the Trump administration, as well as the looming federal funding deadline on March 14, which could potentially disrupt the conference.

Meanwhile, the top Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, James Comer, has launched an investigation into the hiring practices of the previous administration, seeking to root out partisan staff who joined the executive branch as Joe Biden was leaving the White House. Comer has requested the names of all hires between January 1, 2024, and January 20, 2025, and the names of all political appointees during the Biden administration who have remained in the executive branch. This investigation is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to leverage their investigative powers to benefit the Trump administration and probe Biden-era officials, even after the former president has left office, using investigative powers to examine the executive branch.

The ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers have also led to concerns about the potential for a government shutdown, with President Trump endorsing a long-term funding patch and Republican leaders considering including funding cuts to bolster Elon Musk's efforts to gut federal programs. Democrats have expressed opposition to this plan, citing the need for guardrails to prevent further slashing of federal funding. As the March 14 funding deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether Congress can reach a deal on overall spending totals or if a full-year government funding patch will be necessary to avoid a shutdown.