House Republicans investigate political prosecutions

The U.S. House of Representatives will investigate Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and lead prosecutor Matthew Colangelo for targeting political opponents. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan called for the pair to testify before Congress a day after a New York court convicted former President Donald Trump of business fraud, which Bragg prosecuted. The group may also ask former Federal Election Commissioner Brad Smith to testify, as well, according to Texas Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas.

Who will they testify to? The pair will appear before the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, said House Speaker Mike Johnson. The House also believes Special Counsel Jack Smith has abused his authority for political retribution, Johnson said. People are losing their faith in the justice system, and these investigations will show Americans that leaders won’t tolerate it, he added.

What has Bragg said of the accusations? The district attorney has rebuffed allegations of political retribution and repeatedly insisted he was only doing his job. The only voice that matters is the jury, and they have spoken, he told reporters on Thursday.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno and Carolina Lumetta’s report in The Stew on the political effects of Trump’s conviction.