Comer criticizes Democrats for investigation into Trump’s discussions with oil executives

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chair of the Oversight and Accountability Committee, criticized Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., ranking member of the committee, for creating a “non-existent” scandal over discussions the energy producers had with the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. 

According to the Washington Post, citing unnamed sources, Trump met with oil executives at his Mar-a-Lago Club in April. Trump allegedly asked the executives to raise $1 billion for his campaign. He said, should he be elected, he would reverse many of President Joe Biden’s energy policies. 

Critics have pointed out that it’s no secret that individuals, nonprofits and industries donate to the campaigns of politicians who promise to take actions favorable to their missions. 

Senate Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., opened an inquiry Thursday into what was discussed at the April 11 dinner, which is the second congressional investigation into the matter, the New York Times reported. 

Comer Thursday sent a letter to Raskin warning that these investigations are a “naked attempt to chill rights protected by the Constitution and the First Amendment.”

“Individuals, including employees of these companies, have the right to consider and support the candidate best aligned with their views without your interference,” Comer stated. 

Comer added that he will be distancing himself from the committee’s investigative authorities.