Senate Democrats want communications between Boris Epshteyn and potential Trump appointees disclosed

Source: CBS News

Updated on: December 12, 2024 / 6:53 PM EST


Two top Senate Democrats are calling for President-elect Donald Trump's potential appointees to be required to disclose any communications they had with Boris Epshteyn, a longtime Trump adviser, after allegations recently surfaced that Epshteyn was soliciting financial payments in connection to their efforts to secure government appointments.

"All nominees appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee should immediately act to retain all communications with Mr. Epshteyn, provide those materials to the Committee well in advance of their hearing date, and be prepared to testify regarding any discussions with Mr. Epshteyn about receiving a potential appointment in the incoming administration," Democratic Sens. Richard Durbin of Illinois and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island wrote in a letter shared with CBS News and the conservative publication Just the News.

The letter was addressed to Republican Sens. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and also copied to Trump's transition team leader Susie Wiles. It asks that the senior Republicans require any Trump appointees who come before the Judiciary Committee for confirmation to "preserve and produce to the Committee any communications with Mr. Epshteyn."

The senators wrote that "questions remain regarding whether any nominees made promises or other assurances to Mr. Epshteyn as a condition of his support." A transition source called the letter a "pathetic Lawfare tactic."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-democrats-boris-epshteyn-communications-potential-trump-appointees/