Donald Trump says he is "ordering the Department of Justice" to examine Slotkin's comments

President Donald Trump said in a weekend social-media post that he was directing the DOJ to examine Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s October comments about young people who back Republican values, alleging Democrats had misused government power and calling out the Michigan lawmaker. Slotkin replied Monday that she had warned people considering administration jobs against illegal behavior or wasting taxpayer money, and she cited constitutional speech protections. The DOJ has not confirmed an inquiry. Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN that whether such rhetoric is criminal depends on the particular words and that it could be. Slotkin’s lawyer, Preet Bharara, demanded a public assurance that no investigation would occur, arguing her remarks were protected. A student also filed a Senate ethics complaint about the comments.