Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Former Justice Department Official Faces Sanctions For Election Meddling

Jeffrey Clark, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, on Sept. 14, 2020. Former

Former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark is facing a hearing to determine if he should be sanctioned for his alleged involvement in attempting to help then-President Donald Trump overturn the 2020 election. The hearing, held by the Washington, D.C., Office of Disciplinary Counsel, focused on Clark's actions following the election.

Clark is accused of engaging in dishonest conduct by suggesting a letter be sent to Georgia, indicating that the Justice Department was investigating irregularities in the state's election and urging state lawmakers to void Biden's electoral win. The disciplinary counsel at the hearing characterized Clark's actions as a coup attempt at the Department of Justice.

Clark's attorney argued that the letter was not meant to be public and should have been protected under privilege. He emphasized that the letter was part of a normal legal debate and punishing Clark could have a chilling effect on future discussions.

The hearing revisited the events surrounding the 2020 election, including a dramatic meeting on January 3, 2021, when White House and Justice Department attorneys threatened to quit if Trump fired then-acting Attorney General Rosen and appointed Clark. Testimony highlighted the pressure Trump exerted on the Justice Department to investigate fraud claims.

Former deputy White House counsel testified that Clark pursued his duty based on his belief in serious election issues, despite his theories being debunked. Testimony also revealed disagreements within the department regarding the evidence and the extent of fraud and misconduct in the election.

The hearing is set to continue with further testimony from Rosen. Clark could potentially face sanctions or disbarment, with the possibility of appealing any decision to the D.C. Court of Appeals.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.