Several top House and Senate Democrats are staying away from commenting on the merits of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against Donald Trump, underscoring the belief among party leaders that it makes more political sense to steer clear from the high-profile proceeding.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, has not issued a statement after the indictment. And when asked by a local reporter in New York yesterday, Jeffries had a muted response, saying that they should “follow the facts” and see “what the legal process yields.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement yesterday afternoon before the indictment was unsealed, saying that he believes Trump will have a “fair trial” and that there should be no “outside influence or intimidation” of the legal process. He hasn’t commented since the charges were unveiled.
Some Democrats believe it doesn’t benefit them to align themselves with the case, given the questions many legal experts have raised about its merits, aides say, plus adding their voice in defending Bragg could only give Republicans ammunition to contend the case is political.
While many Democrats have been silent, some rank-and-file Democrats have issued statements praising Bragg and criticizing Trump.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on House Judiciary, praised the indictment as “well-reasoned” and criticized Republicans for trying to “obstruct” the probe by seeking Bragg’s testimony.
