On Wednesday (April 18), a federal judge ruled that Mark Pomerantz, a top prosecutor involved in the former Manhattan District Attorney’s criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump, must receive a subpoena from the House Judiciary Committee.
The 25-page order by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil rejected a request by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) to prevent House Republicans from questioning Pomerantz, who resigned in February 2022, soon after Bragg took up the role of DA.
Vyskocil, a Trump appointee, wrote that the subpoena was issued for a “valid legislative purpose” related to Congress’ ‘broad’ and “indispensable” authority to carry out investigations.”
Vyskocil added that the role of the federal Judiciary was not to “dictate what legislation Congress may consider,” adding Pomerantz had to appear before Congress and declaring, “No one is above the law.”
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) sought to investigate Bragg’s criminal allegations against Trump, subpoenaing Pomerantz and requesting that another aide turn over personal emails regarding his recent hiring process.
Vyskocil requested both parties to reach a “mutually agreeable compromise” on how the Pomerantz deposition, scheduled for Thursday (April 20) at 10 a.m.
Within minutes of the Vyskocil’s ruling, Bragg’s office filed a notice of appeal, saying they planned to ask the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for relief “as soon as possible.”
In a court filing, Bragg’s office said it also contacted the House Judiciary Committee to delay the deposition.
In a statement, Jordan’s spokesperson Russell Dye, welcomed Vyskocil’s decision, saying it demonstrated the authority of Congressional oversight, noting that Congress can “issue subpoenas to people like Mark Pomeran[t]z.”
