Sen. Schumer Calls for Probe Into Whitaker's Trump Ties

Amid the controversial appointment of onetime special counsel critic Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is calling for an investigation by the Department of Justice inspector general.

"I request that your office conduct a thorough investigation of Mr. Whitaker's potentially unlawful or improper communications with the White House and other entities from the date of his appointment as Chief of Staff of the Department of Justice in 2017 to the present," Schumer wrote in a letter to IG Michael Horowitz.

Sen. Schumer cited news reports of "unusual history of contacts with the White House." 

"I am particularly concerned about whether Mr. Whitaker may have shared with the White House, or could share in his new role, confidential grand jury or investigative information from the Special Counsel investigation or any criminal investigation," the letter continued.

Schumer's media reports referenced stories published by Vox, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN.

Schumer also outlined six questions for the IG Horowitz he would like to see addressed:

1. Did Whitaker get access to confidential information as chief of staff for recused Attorney General Jeff Sessions?
2. Did Whitaker share confidential information with the White House without authorization?
3. If so, what were the specifics: to whom, when, and what was shared?
4. Has Whitaker provided any assurances to President Donald Trump or his administration about oversight of the special counsel?
5. Has Whitaker enacted any changes in the protocol of his office in White House communications?
6. Has Whitaker of the White House been in violation or accused of been in violation regarding communication between the attorney general's office and the White House?

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