Republicans attack potential Trump accuser

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The prosecution should not spend tax dollars on the investigation, James Comer, chairman of a major congressional committee, said on television Sunday. These are a “political trick”. Bragg defended himself. “We judge cases in our jurisdiction based on the facts, the law and the evidence.” An indictment against Trump could be pronounced on Monday.

New York prosecutors are investigating the deposed ex-president for hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal. An indictment seems increasingly likely. Investigators question whether Trump may have violated campaign finance laws by making the payment. According to media reports, the responsible grand jury is due to reconvene this Monday. In the United States, a jury decides whether to press charges after the prosecution has presented evidence.

It is unclear whether the grand jury will vote on Monday. American media reported that more witnesses may be heard. Then a vote on Monday is rather unlikely. The jury meets regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays behind closed doors. The public can therefore only see what happens when witnesses speak out after an interrogation. Trump had even announced his arrest for last Tuesday. That turned out not to be true.

Trump against the “Deep State”

Republican congressmen tried to pressure Bragg with investigations. They demanded a statement and documents from him. Prosecutors dismissed this as “unprecedented” interference. Jim Jordan, chairman of the Republican Judiciary Committee, claimed without evidence that Bragg acted under “political pressure from left-wing activists.” It is possible that the committee will summon the public prosecutor. With their majority in the House of Representatives, Republicans can continue with parliamentary inquiries.

During an election campaign in the state of Texas, Trump himself scolded that the investigation was controlled by the “deep state”. Behind the term ‘deep state’ used in conspiracy myths is the idea that secret powers in the background pull the strings in political decisions. “We finish what we started. With you by my side, we will completely wipe out the deep state.” Last week he warned that false accusations against him could lead to “death and destruction”.

No specific threat known

The 76-year-old has also called for protests ahead of a possible charge. The call evoked memories of the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. At that time, Trump incited supporters who then broke into the House of Representatives. The Senate Intelligence Committee is regularly briefed by the FBI on the situation, Democratic committee chair Mark Warner told CNN. So far no one has been informed about specific threats. “But the level of rhetoric on some of these right-wing sites has increased.”

Trump is applying to the Republicans for a new presidential candidacy for the next election in November 2024. He is ahead of the party in polls. He repeatedly describes the various legal allegations as a “witch hunt”. If criminal proceedings are initiated, Trump could become the first former president to be charged with an alleged crime.

(SDA)

Source: Blick