DOJ Urged To Probe Slotkin Over Threats To Young Pros

A formal request now sits on the desk of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Conservative groups want an investigation into Senator Elissa Slotkin for her recent comments. They claim she admitted to using the threat of legal trouble to stop young people from working for the government. This request comes from Mike Davis, the founder of the Article III Project. He wrote a letter on Wednesday to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon.

Davis argues that a public official should not threaten legal harm against political rivals. In his writing, he emphasized that a sitting United States Senator must recognize the gravity of calling for legal and professional repercussions against political rivals. The request asks the division to review Slotkin’s staff and donors. It also asks them to open an investigation if warranted. Slotkin made these remarks during an event at the University of Chicago on October 13. She spoke with Vox editorial director Astead Herndon at the time.

The Senator’s Own Words

According to the Washington Examiner, Slotkin did not hide her intent. She said she wanted to focus on the people who enabled the president. She specifically addressed young people coming out of school. She asked if they would think working for the Trump administration sounded fun. She then described the result she wanted to achieve.

She added, “I want that deterrence message.” This comment was recorded at the event. It is now the basis for the legal complaint. The request suggests these words were a direct threat to future public servants.

Formal Ethics Complaints Filed

The Center to Advance Security in America filed an ethics complaint against the senator. The Federalist reported that the group calls her actions anathema to our political systems. Their complaint includes the assertion that it is wrong to threaten young professionals simply for the sin of working for the President. They argue this behavior goes beyond normal political criticism.

RedState noted that a Senate ethics complaint has also been filed. The filing argues that Slotkin’s remarks were an effort to intimidate Americans. According to the complaint, the language aims to chill lawful participation in government. Political affiliation, not any specific criminal act, forms the basis of this, it says. The group says this weaponizes the government against those entering their careers.

What Comes Next for the Senate

The Justice Department has not yet stated if it will act on the letter. Mike Davis urged the Civil Rights Division to review the statements immediately. The complaint demands accountability from the Center to Advance Security in America. They say it is immoral to use the government against those running for office.

Senator Slotkin has not responded to the specific request for an investigation. The letter from the Article III Project remains open. It asks officials to consider the gravity of the situation. The facts are now clear for the department to review. The question remains whether they will open an investigation if warranted.