The White House criticized a congressional panel's new investigation into possible obstruction of justice, public corruption and abuse of power by President Donald Trump.
In a statement Monday night, press secretary Sarah Sanders referred to House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler's sweeping request for documents from dozens of individuals as "disgraceful and abusive."
She continued by saying, "Chairman Nadler and his fellow Democrats have embarked on this fishing expedition because they are terrified that their two-year false narrative of 'Russia collusion' is crumbling."
The committee sent document requests to more than 80 individuals and groups, including the president's two eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump; former top White House aides Sean Spicer, Steve Bannon and Hope Hicks; and the CFO of the Trump Organization.
It also requested information from the White House and the Justice Department, as well as the Trump campaign and Trump transition team. All have been asked to send over the requested documents by March 18.
Nadler said the wide-ranging document requests were made "in order to begin building the public record" in case special counsel Robert Mueller's final report on his Russia investigation is not released in its entirety.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
