Justice Department investigating own handling of Adam Schiff probe: reports

Driving the news: A federal grand jury in Maryland reportedly heard questioning over the matter, MS NOW and CNN reported.

• The DOJ, FHFA and Schiff's office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

State of play: ABC News reported that federal officials are probing whether Martin and Pulte worked with people outside the DOJ to pursue allegations of mortgage fraud.

• Martin holds four titles in the Trump administration, including "special attorney for mortgage fraud." Trump had tapped him to serve as the top federal prosecutor in D.C., but he did not winr the support he needed in the Senate.
• Pulte has been a key attack dog for the administration, referring Schiff, New York attorney general Letitia James, Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to the DOJ for alleged mortgage fraud.

The intrigue: Senate Democrats earlier this week called for for the Government Accountability Office to investigate Pulte's recent referrals of Schiff and others, saying his "actions demand scrutiny."

Catch up quick: Schiff has dismissed the allegations against him as false.

• "This is Donald Trump trying to bring about political retribution, retaliation," Schiff said in a video months ago, after the president accused him of mortgage fraud.

Go deeper: "No one is safe": Democrats fear Trump will prosecute them next