Jim Jordan Proposes ‘Defunding’ Tactic
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has taken a bold step in his efforts to curb what he describes as "politically sensitive investigations" by proposing an appropriations package aimed at defunding state and federal prosecutors involved in such activities. Jordan’s proposal targets key figures like Special Counsel Jack Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, all of whom are involved in high-profile cases against former President Donald Trump.
Jordan's proposal, sent to House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., includes a detailed plan to eliminate federal funding for prosecutors he believes are engaging in politically motivated prosecutions. Fox News Digital obtained the letter and the proposal, which Jordan argues is necessary to protect Americans' fundamental freedoms.
In his letter, Jordan outlined his past successes in implementing reforms through the appropriations process. These reforms included measures to prohibit funding for politically sensitive investigations, protect whistleblowers, and prevent the use of taxpayer funds for radical regulations and government censorship. Jordan aims to build on this work for the fiscal year 2025, focusing specifically on defunding what he calls "lawfare activities."
"We have seen rogue prosecutors abuse the rules of professional conduct and their duty to do justice in service of politicized ends," Jordan stated. He emphasized the importance of stopping the federal funding of state prosecutors or state attorneys general involved in lawfare, as well as federal prosecutors engaged in such abuses.
Jordan cited several specific cases to support his proposal. He noted that Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg campaigned on the promise to "get Trump" but initially saw no merit in the case. However, Bragg proceeded with the indictment after Trump announced his presidential run. Similarly, Fulton County DA Fani Willis began her investigation into 2020 election interference shortly after Trump announced his candidacy, and Special Counsel Jack Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland just days after Trump declared his run for president.
“All of these things are completely driven by politics,” Jordan told Fox News Digital. His proposal aims to defund these "lawfare activities" and to prevent the misuse of the judicial system for political purposes. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges from Bragg, Smith, and Willis' investigations.
In addition to addressing these prosecutions, Jordan proposed measures to rein in what he describes as "abusive federal law enforcement agencies." He highlighted testimony received by his committee about misconduct and resource misallocation within the FBI. Jordan suggested eliminating any non-essential funding for the FBI, including rescinding prior appropriations and tying new funding to specific policy changes that promote accountability and transparency.
Jordan also focused on immigration policies and freedom of speech online. He recommended prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars for Biden administration’s "open-border immigration policies" and for efforts to censor Americans online or classify speech as "mis-, dis-, or mal-information." This includes defunding the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Foreign Influence Operations and Disinformation office, the Global Engagement Center, and other related entities.
Lastly, Jordan proposed ensuring that federal grant dollars are not awarded to jurisdictions that choose to defund their police, addressing the rising crime in urban American cities.
"By working together, we can ensure that the appropriations process will continue to be a powerful check against the weaponization of the federal government," Jordan concluded in his letter.
Jordan's comprehensive proposal reflects his commitment to safeguarding what he sees as the integrity of the justice system and preventing its misuse for political ends. As the fiscal year 2025 appropriations process unfolds, these measures will likely be a focal point of debate and discussion.