Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting government transparency, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for failing to release video recordings related to an alleged bribery case involving Tom Homan, the current White House Border Czar. ([democracyforward.org](https://democracyforward.org/updates/tom-homan-foia/?utm_source=openai))
In September 2024, while serving as a private citizen, Homan reportedly accepted a $50,000 cash payment from undercover FBI agents posing as business executives. The agents sought assistance in securing government contracts in anticipation of a second Trump administration. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/09/21/trump-administration-bribery-probe-homan/?utm_source=openai))
Despite multiple requests from congressional representatives and extensive media coverage, the DOJ and FBI have not released the video recording of the transaction. On September 20, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel announced the closure of the investigation, stating they “found no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.” ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/video/fbi-doj-close-bribery-probe-into-border-czar-tom-homan/?utm_source=openai))
Democracy Forward contends that withholding the recording violates the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates federal agencies to disclose requested records unless they fall under specific exemptions. The organization seeks expedited processing and the prompt release of the non-exempt portions of the recording. ([democracyforward.org](https://democracyforward.org/updates/tom-homan-foia/?utm_source=openai))
Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “These law enforcement agencies must follow the law and release this critical recording without delay. The public deserves answers about why this investigation was closed and whether senior Trump officials are being shielded from scrutiny that would apply to anyone else.” ([democracyforward.org](https://democracyforward.org/updates/tom-homan-foia/?utm_source=openai))
In response to the allegations, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt affirmed President Donald Trump’s full support for Homan, asserting that he “did absolutely nothing wrong.” ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/white-house-says-border-czar-homan-never-took-50000-bribe-2025-09-22/?utm_source=openai))
Democratic lawmakers have also expressed concern over the closure of the investigation. Senate Democrats, led by Adam Schiff, have requested the release of recordings and related communications, questioning the DOJ’s decision to terminate the probe. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/democrats-demand-doj-release-records-bribery-probe-trumps-border-czar-2025-09-23/?utm_source=openai))
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, underscores ongoing debates over government transparency and accountability, particularly concerning high-ranking officials and the handling of potential misconduct allegations.