Feinstein on Trump Judge Nominee’s Failure to Disclose Conflict

Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement in reaction to federal judge nominee Brett Talley’s failure to disclose a potential conflict of interest presented by his wife’s role in the White House Counsel’s Office:

“I’ve already stated my opposition to Brett Talley’s nomination to be a federal judge in Alabama. He’s wholly unqualified for this lifetime position. But by failing to disclose that his wife is one of President Trump’s lawyers, Talley has betrayed his obligation to be open and transparent with the Senate and American people.

“Judicial nominees are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest‎. Reports that Talley’s wife, Ann Donaldson, has been interviewed in conjunction Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation of possible obstruction of justice represents a clear conflict of interest that should have been disclosed.

“Talley’s nomination shouldn’t be considered by the Senate unless he answers questions about this glaring omission and clarifies matters concerning when he would recuse himself.”

###