Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has agreed to testify before a congressional subcommittee regarding the trial involving former President Donald Trump’s hush money payments. The decision comes amidst a contentious political climate, with Bragg’s office expressing a commitment to voluntary cooperation with Congress.
In response to a letter from House Judiciary Committee chairman, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, dated late May, Bragg’s general counsel Leslie Dubeck affirmed the prosecutor’s office’s willingness to engage with Congress. However, Bragg’s testimony is unlikely to occur until after Trump’s sentencing in July.
The letter from Dubeck highlighted the Manhattan prosecutor’s dedication to collaboration but noted scheduling conflicts with the proposed hearing date of June 13. With Trump’s sentencing slated for July 11, Bragg’s office emphasized the ongoing nature of the case and the need to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process.
“The trial court and reviewing appellate courts have issued numerous orders for the purpose of protecting the fair administration of justice in People v. Trump, and to participate in a public hearing at this time would be potentially detrimental to those efforts,” the letter stated.
Bragg’s office requested further discussion with the subcommittee to determine an alternative date and gain clarity on the hearing’s objectives. Additionally, the possibility of testimony from lead prosecutor Matthew Colangelo was acknowledged, although Bragg’s office reserved judgment on the appropriateness of public testimony during an active prosecution.
Jordan, a staunch Ohio Republican, has been vocal in his opposition to what he perceives as politicization of legal proceedings involving Trump. He has advocated for measures to curtail federal funding for entities engaged in prosecuting former presidents, citing concerns about governmental overreach.
The House Judiciary Committee previously obtained a deposition from former prosecutor Mark Pomerantz, despite initial objections from Bragg’s office. However, the deposition yielded limited insights, with Pomerantz exercising caution in his responses to avoid potential legal ramifications.
As the legal saga surrounding Trump’s hush money trial unfolds, Bragg’s forthcoming testimony before Congress promises to shed light on the intricacies of the case, offering a glimpse into the intersection of law and politics in one of the nation’s most high-profile legal battles.
