Republicans are done playing games.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed a “three-pronged strategy” on Tuesday aimed at addressing perceived injustices within the judicial system following former President Trump’s recent conviction.
Johnson’s approach involves leveraging the appropriations process, introducing specific legislation, and utilizing Congress’s oversight capabilities to challenge the Department of Justice.
“We must take decisive action, as the stakes are incredibly high and public trust in our institutions is waning,” Johnson stated during a press conference. “This concern should resonate with everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”
This announcement follows closely on the heels of a jury convicting Trump on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, stemming from a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Johnson, along with fellow Republicans, has criticized the verdict, arguing that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) pursued the case with a political agenda. They have also cast doubt on the credibility of Michael Cohen, the prosecution’s key witness.
House Republicans have already started implementing parts of their strategy. Last week, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) demanded that Bragg and another prosecutor, Matthew Colangelo, testify about what he termed the “unprecedented political prosecution” of Trump. Additionally, Jordan sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.), advocating for several reforms in the federal funding process. These reforms include reducing FBI funding to essential operations only, eliminating federal funds for state prosecutors engaged in politically motivated lawsuits, and cutting federal support for prosecutors involved in such activities.
Johnson reiterated his stance that Trump’s prosecution and subsequent conviction were politically motivated efforts by Democrats to undermine Trump’s chances of securing another term in the White House.
“They are so intent on preventing his return to office that they are misusing the judicial system,” Johnson said, citing polls showing Trump leading Biden in critical states. “This is a dangerous precedent that undermines public confidence in our justice system.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in the justice system, echoing House Republican Leader Steve Scalise’s sentiment that justice must remain impartial. “Equal justice under the law is fundamental to our constitutional republic. This issue goes beyond President Trump and these particular cases—it strikes at the heart of our national identity. This erosion of trust in our judicial system has sparked a significant backlash,” Johnson concluded.
