Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) wrote to President Biden expressing his concerns over the timing of the Justice Department’s investigation into the PGA Tour’s possible anti-competitive actions against the Saudi-backed LIV golf league and the Biden league. Travel to Saudi Arabia.
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an anti-competitive investigation into the PGA Tour after the Tour was fined and more than two dozen players were suspended for participating in the new Saudi-backed LIV golf league.
Phil Mickelson of the USA watches the 14th hole ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational at the Centurion Club in St Albans, England on June 8, 2022. (Chris Trotman/LIV Golf/Getty Images)
The controversial Saudi-backed LIV debuted earlier this month and plans to be a top contender for the PGA Tour. However, the PGA fought hard against the new league.
Now Senator Cornyn is questioning the timing of the Justice Department’s investigation, as it was announced the same week that Biden said he had traveled to Saudi Arabia, among other things, to try to persuade the country’s leaders to send more oil to the United States. gasoline prices.
“I am concerned about whether members of the DOJ Antitrust Division or any member of your management are involved in the recent public investigation,” Cornyn said in a letter to Biden, according to Fox News. “Furthermore, I have questions as to whether your administration contacted the Saudi government about the investigation before or after it began.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan speaks to the media at a press conference ahead of the TPC River Highlands Traveler Championship on June 22, 2022, in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
Kornin also noted that Saudi Arabia is not a loyal broker in relations with the United States.
“Saudi Arabia has a history of covert and sometimes malicious behavior in attempts to influence American public policy and freedom of expression in our own country,” Kornin said. said. “In 2016, the Saudi Arabian government used front-line nonprofits to trick some US veterans into lobbying for the State Sponsors of Terrorism Justice Act (PL 114-222) on its behalf. In 2018, Saudi Arabian agents killed American journalist Jamal Khashoggi in their consulate.
“This is a horrific act of transnational repression. The perpetrators of this crime were not held accountable. Despite these actions, Saudi Arabia continues to interact easily on the global stage, knowing that it can lobby, influence and commit malicious acts,” he said.
Cornyn went on to ask ten questions about the Justice Department’s investigation into the PGA round, including whether any Saudi leaders would ask the Biden administration to investigate the PGA.
Source: Breitbart
