WASHINGTON _ Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Donald Trump's personal attorney, has been issued a subpoena by House Democrats, who are pursuing an impeachment inquiry over Trump's attempt to have Ukraine open an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden.
The subpoena, which was announced Monday, sets a deadline of Oct. 15 for Giuliani to provide documents to three House committees.
"Our inquiry includes an investigation of credible allegations that you acted as an agent of the President in a scheme to advance his personal political interests by abusing the power of the Office of the President," reads the letter from House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel and House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings.
The letter to Giuliani cites "a growing public record, including your own statements."
Giuliani, a former New York City mayor, defended Trump during the Russia investigation led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, then began playing a leading role in trying to persuade Ukrainian officials to probe one of Trump's potential Democratic opponents in next year's election.
Trump personally asked Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the newly elected Ukrainian president, to open an investigation during their July 25 phone call.
The House Intelligence Committee is also seeking documents from the State Department, and last week it sent a subpoena to Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo. The panel wants, among other things, records involving Trump's call with Zelenskiy and the department's communications with Giuliani.
The committee has already scheduled five depositions with State Department officials. The first is on Wednesday with the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, who was prematurely recalled to Washington after facing criticism from Giuliani.
