Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg agrees to testify to House GOP on Donald Trump's hush money case, date to be set
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has agreed to testify before a House Judiciary Committee panel regarding Donald Trump’s recent hush-money trial, which resulted in the first conviction of a former president.
This decision follows a demand by House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for Bragg and prosecutor Matthew Colangelo to testify at a June 13 hearing on “the unprecedented political prosecution of President Trump.”
DA Alvin Bragg's attorney rejects set date for testifying due to 'scheduling conflicts'
Bragg’s office responded Friday, June 7 indicating a commitment to voluntary cooperation, multiple outlets reported.
In a letter to Chair Jordan, Bragg's general counsel, Leslie Dubeck, noted that the DA has "scheduling conflicts" preventing his appearance on the proposed date but expressed willingness to cooperate in the future.
"This Office is committed to voluntary cooperation," Dubeck wrote in the letter, first reported by Politico.
"That cooperation includes making the District Attorney available to provide testimony on behalf of the Office at an agreed-upon date, and evaluating the propriety of allowing an Assistant District Attorney to testify publicly about an active prosecution to which he is assigned," the letter read.
"However, the proposed date that the Subcommittee selected without consulting the Office presents various scheduling conflicts," it noted.
DA Alvin Bragg's office asks to make clear 'the scope of the proposed testimony'
Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records brought by the district attorney.
The former president and current GOP presidential nominee, who maintains his innocence, has labeled the prosecution a "witch hunt" orchestrated by President Joe Biden and Democrats to undermine his election campaign.
Both Biden and Bragg have denied this accusation, but Republicans continue to allege political motivation behind the prosecution. Bragg had campaigned on a promise to "get Trump."
In her letter, Dubeck criticized the Judiciary Committee's invitation, stating that Jordan "has not made clear the scope of the proposed testimony."
She also pointed out that the upcoming sentencing hearing for Trump on July 11 and ongoing court proceedings might hinder Bragg's ability to testify. Trump has indicated plans to appeal his conviction.
Dubeck wrote, "To participate in a public hearing at this time would be potentially detrimental to those efforts."
She requested the committee to negotiate a new hearing date with Bragg's office and clarify the specific topics Republicans want Bragg to address.
"Everything is on the table as to what is next," said Stefanie Farrell, a spokesperson for Chairman Jordan, according to Fox News.
Jordan has called the case outcome a “travesty of justice” and threatened to withhold Justice Department funding designated for Trump investigations.
Internet reacts as DA Alvin Bragg agrees to testify
Netizens' reactions were mixed, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) questioning the need to change the timeline just to answer questions, suggesting it "Seems shady."
Another predicted, "This will be a colossal waste of time," while a different user criticized Bragg, writing, "Still making his own rules. No Respect!"
Some defended Bragg, with one user stating, "Bragg is very good at his job - not sure house @GOP are going to get the ‘win’ they think they will. Jordan is no match for real facts."
Another commenter anticipated the hearing with skepticism toward MAGA supporters, writing, "Oh boy. That should be fun. Can't wait for MAGA to make accusatory statements with no proof at all..."
Why would you need to change a timeline just to answer some questions?!?!
— StandUnited1776 (@StandUnited76) June 8, 2024
Seems shady.
Bragg is Cery good at his job- not sure house @GOP are going to get the ‘win’ they think they will. Jordan is no match for real facts
— Jeanne (@zekeinthesun) June 8, 2024
Oh boy. That should be fun.
— The Radical Centrist 🇺🇸 (@Rad1calCentr1st) June 8, 2024
Can't wait for MAGA to make accusatory statements with no proof at all...
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