Former special counsel prosecutor Jay Bratt invoked his fifth amendment right during a deposition before a Republican-led House committee investigating potential politicization in the prosecutions of Donald Trump. Bratt, who oversaw a federal case involving Trump’s handling of classified documents, was invited to testify by the House judiciary committee, chaired by Ohio Republican Jim Jordan.

Justice Connection spokesman Peter Carr expressed concern over the administration’s alleged use of government machinery against political adversaries, prompting Bratt to assert his rights. This marked the first known instance of a special counsel prosecutor appearing before the judiciary committee since Trump’s presidency, where he had directed the dismissal of several prosecutors under special counsel Jack Smith.

Republicans on the committee believed the cases against Trump were politically motivated, with Smith charging Trump in Florida for mishandling classified documents and in Washington for election interference. Despite dropping the indictments, Smith faced legal challenges, including a federal judge ruling his appointment unlawful.

Recent developments indicate the Justice Department’s intent to investigate prosecutors who pursued charges against Trump. Trump appointed Ed Martin to lead a working group tasked with investigating Smith, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis. Martin emphasized holding accountable those who committed wrongdoing, signaling a proactive approach to addressing alleged misconduct within the justice system.