“As a cog in the outgoing administration, it is your duty to the public in being mindful of not creating further complications that could compromise America’s geopolitical eminence,” Gooden said in the letter two weeks ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.
“I am writing to inquire about the Department of Justice’s recent selective pursuits of cases against foreign entities that could irreparably strain America’s global alliances,” he said.
“As our country enters a new period under President Trump, Americans are hopeful it will mark the revival of prosperity, growth, economic recovery, and political freedom. An important factor in our quest to revive our country’s prosperity includes the ability and freedom of prospective investors to do business in America,” he wrote.
“In complete abeyance of public outcry about the rising violent crimes at home, the DOJ seems to be pursuing new expeditions to target businesses for alleged injustices abroad,” he said.
“The allegations in the Adani case, even if proven true, would still fail to make us the appropriate and final arbiter on the issue. These ‘bribes’ were allegedly paid to Indian state government officials, in India, by Indian executives of an Indian company, with no concrete involvement of or injury to any American party,” Gooden wrote.
“Conversely, Smartmatic, an American company responsible for conducting our elections, had executives who allegedly laundered money and paid bribes to foreign governments, according to the DOJ’s indictment earlier. However, despite numerous attempts by my colleagues and I to have our concerns addressed before the elections, we were never briefed by your department,” he wrote.
Gooden asked why has the DOJ not indicted a single American if the case involves a significant nexus with the United States.
“Were there no Americans involved in this alleged scheme? Why has the DOJ pursued this case against Gautam Adani when the alleged criminal act, and the parties allegedly involved are in India? Do you seek to enforce justice in India?” he asked.
“Will the DOJ seek an extradition of the Indian executives involved in this case? What is the DOJ’s contingency plan if India refuses to comply with an extradition request and claim sole authority over this case? Is the DOJ or the Biden administration willing to escalate this case into an international incident between the United States and ally like India?” the lawmaker said.
