Top Republican Subpoenas FBI Official Over Refusal to Answer Questions

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) at the CPAC convention in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 28, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) subpoenaed a top FBI official on April 24 after he said she refused to answer questions.

Jordan subpoenaed Jennifer Leigh Moore, the FBI’s executive assistant director of human resources, after Moore “refused to answer questions during her transcribed interview about the FBI’s retaliation against brave whistleblowers who have come forward to raise concerns about abuses they have seen at the bureau,” according to Russell Dye, a spokesman for Jordan.

Jordan contacted Moore in 2022 as he investigated allegations of misconduct within the bureau, including allegations from whistleblowers that the FBI was working to purge employees with conservative views. The purge allegedly was taking place through security clearance revocations and indefinite suspensions.

“Many of the formal notices for these adverse personnel actions have been signed by you,” Jordan said at the time, adding that information suggested that Moore had also retaliated against at least one whistleblower who made disclosures to Congress.

Jordan requested a transcribed interview and the preservation of materials relating to the allegations.

Despite another request before 2022 ended, Moore didn’t sit for an interview, Jordan said after Republicans took control of the House.

Jordan warned Moore in a January missive that a subpoena was an option if she wouldn’t stop her “obstruction.”

“We reiterate our request that you appear promptly for a transcribed interview. The Committee is prepared to resort to compulsory process, if necessary, to obtain your testimony,” he wrote.

While Moore ultimately sat without a subpoena, she didn’t answer at least some questions, according to the new update.

Dye told The Epoch Times in an email that the interview took place on April 24. He declined to say whether Moore answered any questions.

“Executive Assistant Director Moore voluntarily answered questions from members and their staffs about the FBI’s security clearance adjudication process for several hours. She did not discuss the details of specific individuals whose cases are still under review to protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of the individuals,” an FBI spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email.

“The FBI recognizes the importance of congressional oversight and remains fully committed to cooperating with Congress’ oversight requests consistent with its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”

Jordan has also sought testimony from a slew of other current and former officials, including former FBI official Timothy Thibault, as part of investigations into the executive branch.

He recently subpoenaed Lisa Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, as he probes how the agency has approached Twitter following Elon Musk’s purchase of the social media platform.

Jordan also became embroiled in a court case after issuing a subpoena to Mark Pomerantz, a former prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, after a grand jury, presented with charges by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, indicted former President Donald Trump.

Bragg dropped a case aimed at blocking the subpoena on April 21 after a judge ruled against him.