House GOP expands probe into Manhattan DA with testimony from prosecutors who resigned

House GOP expands Manhattan DA probe through outreach to ex-prosecutors

The House Republicans are expanding their investigation of Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney,’s probe into former President Trump. They are seeking testimony from two former prosecutors from the D.A. ‘s office last January.

Why it matters: It is a clear indication of a sustained effort made by Republicans to undermine Bragg’s case, amid reports that hush money payments Trump allegedly made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, could be imminent.

Driving the news: Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, sent letters to Carey Dunne and Mark Pomerantz, former prosecutors who were involved in the Trump case under former D.A. Cyrus Vance resigned in protest after Bragg took office and suspended the probe.

• Jordan wrote that Bragg’s criticisms were widely reported. “It now appears your efforts to shame Bragg worked as he reportedly revives a so-called “zombie” case.”
• Both men are asked to take part in transcribed interviews and to turn over documents related the Trump investigation. This includes communications with federal agencies and staff members of the D.A. ‘s office.

The background: Jordan and two other chairmen of the committee wrote Monday a letter to Bragg requesting his testimony and documents, including the communications from Dunne and Pomerantz.

• “In January 2022, shortly after you took office you expressed doubts over President Trump’s case, and suspended the investigation,” wrote Jordan, Bryan Steil (R.Wisc.). The Oversight and House Administration Committees chairs.

The other side: Bragg has not replied to the request for testimony, except for a statement to Axios stating that his office “will never be intimidated by attempts at undermining the justice process.”

• Pomerantz, Dunne did no immediate respond to requests for comment.

Between the lines: Many Senate Republicans expressed reservations about the House GOP probe. However, some Democrats worry that Bragg’s investigation could backfire politically and for other prosecutors.

• But Republicans continue to push forward with their efforts in defense of Trump and to undermine Bragg’s credibility investigation.

What’s next: The Lettered Direct Pomerantz to give the requested documents to Dunne and schedule interviews for the morning of March 27,