Berger denies making map deal with Trump, but an NC lawmaker wants an investigation
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- NC lawmaker urges investigation into GOP leader over alleged map-redraw deal.
- Berger denies deal but admits openness to further GOP-favored redistricting.
- DA Freeman, not seeking reelection, holds discretion over any potential inquiry.
A North Carolina lawmaker has requested an investigation into disputed reports that Republican Senate leader Phil Berger may agree to redraw the state’s congressional map in exchange for an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
But Wake County’s prosecutor quickly threw cold water on the request.
“Given that congressional redistricting is a core governmental function with statewide impact, even the appearance of barter for partisan or personal gain substantially undermines public trust and warrants prompt review,” Sen. Terence Everitt, a Wake County Democrat, said in a letter Friday to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.
Berger has denied making any deal for an endorsement, saying in a statement Thursday that he had “never spoken to President Trump” about redrawing the maps or getting his support for his reelection campaign.
Berger did, however, say that he was open to redrawing the map — which already significantly favors his party — to further benefit Republicans.
In his letter, Everitt clarified that he was not “asserting these allegations as proven facts” but said that if an endorsement had been offered in exchange for a redraw, “that would appear to be a quid pro quo dealing in official acts — conduct our criminal laws are designed to prohibit.”
In a statement to The News & Observer, Freeman said there did not appear to be credible evidence of a quid pro quo at this time.
“Prosecutorial authority should not be abused,” she said. “... the only items Sen. Everitt refers to are social media posts and press coverage, which I have reviewed. Wake County jurors rightfully expect proof.”
Freeman, who is not running for reelection, previously rejected another request from Everitt to investigate a top Republican.
In 2023, he unsuccessfully called for a probe into allegations that then-House Speaker Tim Moore traded sex for political gain, The N&O previously reported.
Former U.S. Rep Wiley Nickel, a Democrat, is running for Freeman’s seat in 2026 and appeared to reference the alleged map deal on social media early Friday.
“It’s a Class F felony for a member of the (General Assembly) to receive ‘anything of value or personal advantage’ in exchange for performing an official act,” he wrote on X. “I’m running for District Attorney because it’s about damn time we had someone willing to investigate political corruption in our state.”
Everitt’s letter comes just one day after reports circulated about an alleged endorsement deal between Trump and Berger, who is facing a contentious primary in his reelection campaign.
Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page is seeking to unseat Berger, who has served as Senate leader since Republicans took the majority in 2011.
“I say, if President Trump wants those maps redrawn, that SHOULD come with no strings attached — but I guess Phil Berger doesn’t think so,” Page said on X. “Let me be clear — our Commander in Chief doesn’t owe Phil Berger a damn thing!”
Berger’s office did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment about the letter.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Berger denies making map deal with Trump, but an NC lawmaker wants an investigation."
