In a significant escalation of Republican pushback, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-O.H., has proposed steps to cut federal funding for state and federal prosecutors deemed to be engaged in “politicized prosecutions” — a move that could directly impact Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ controversial criminal case against former President Donald Trump in Georgia.
Willis’ case against Trump suffered a significant setback already this week after the court ruled that Trump’s appeal to have her removed as prosecutor was scheduled for October 4 — meaning the trial has little chance to start before the 2024 presidential election.
If Jordan succeeds in his longshot attempt at de-funding her office, it could put her case against Trump on the brink of collapse.
On Monday, the Ohio congressman formally recommended that the House Appropriations Committee adopt language eliminating funds for any state prosecutors or attorneys general involved in what Jordan characterized as abusive “lawfare tactics to target political opponents.”
While not naming specific individuals, Jordan’s proposal appears squarely aimed at high-profile cases like the prosecution spearheaded by Willis. She indicted Trump in August 2023 on charges including violating Georgia’s racketeering laws over his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results in the state.
Jordan stated in his letter to House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., that “rogue prosecutors” have improperly pursued prosecutions for “politicized ends” by flouting ethical rules and their “duty to do justice.”
The Republican lawmaker also proposed “zeroing out” funding for the federal special counsel investigation into Trump being led by prosecutor Jack Smith related to the former president’s handling of classified records and the January 6th Capitol riots.
“We recommend that the Appropriations Committee…include language to eliminate federal funding for state prosecutors or state attorneys general involved in lawfare and to zero out federal funding for federal prosecutors engaged in such abuse,” Jordan wrote to Cole.
Jordan’s letter follows his requests last week for the Democratic Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, to testify before Congress on his motives. Bragg brought forward Trump’s separate criminal conviction on 34 felonies related to hush money payments.
Jordan and his Republican allies have warned these various criminal cases against Trump represent an alarming pattern of prosecutors overstepping bounds to wage “politicized prosecutions” that are meant to interfere with the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
By threatening to financially defund any attorneys deemed to be engaging in such conduct, Jordan is utilizing his power in an aggressive bid to counter a “weaponization” of the justice system under President Joe Biden’s control.
Federal funding cuts targeting cases like the high-stakes Georgia prosecution could raise complex legal questions about the scope of Congressional oversight and appropriations authority — and will certainly face fierce Democratic resistance.
Regardless of its legislative prospects, Jordan’s latest offensive lays down a new gauntlet in the explosive, high-stakes political battles revolving around the Trump criminal cases.
Although in the end, it will likely be up to American voters to decide the fate of Trump in the November 5th presidential election.