Mantras of the States

Eons: at kept-mamas
DC 20515

May 12, 2017

Donald F. McGahn 11

Of?ce of White House Legal Counsel
1600 Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC. 20500

Dear Mr. McGahn,

President Trump took to Twitter earlier today to threaten former FBI Director James Comey,
stating that he ?better hope that there are no ?tapes? of our conversations before he starts leaking
to the press!?

Under Section 1512 of Title 18 of the US. Code, it is a crime to intimidate or threaten any
potential witness with the intent to in?uence, delay, or prevent their of?cial testimony.

The President?s actions this morning?as well as his admission yesterday on national television
that he ?red Director Comey because he was investigating Trump campaign of?cials and their
connections to the Russian government?raise the specter of possible intimidation and
obstruction of justice. The President?s actions also risk undermining the ongoing criminal and
counter-intelligence investigations and the independence of federal law enforcement agencies.

We believe Congress should immediately seek the testimony of Director Comey to better
understand the circumstances surrounding these events, although no House Committee Chairman
has yet agreed to any such hearings.

Under normal circumstances, we would not consider credible any claims that the White House
may have taped conversations of meetings with the President. However, because of the many
false statements made by White House of?cials this week, we are compelled to ask whether any
such recordings do in fact exist. If so, we request copies of all recordings in possession of the
White House regarding this matter.

We also request all documents, memoranda, analyses, emails, and other communications relating
to the President?s decision to dismiss Director Comey?a decision which the President declared
yesterday he planned to make ?regardless of [the Deputy Attomey General?s]
all discussions with Director Comey.

We would ask that you respond to this letter as as possible, but in any event no later
than the close of business of Thursday, May 25, 2017.

Letter to McGahn
May 12, 201 7
Page 2

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

   

    

Conyers, Jr. lij

Ranking Member Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform

Cc: Honorable Bob Goodlatte, Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary

Honorable Jason Chaffetz, Chairman
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform