Prosecutor Invokes Fifth Amid Trump Document Case Turmoil

A key prosecutor, Jay Bratt, invoked his Fifth Amendment right during a congressional interview, citing concerns about the Trump administration's use of governmental powers against adversaries. Bratt, who had been pivotal in the classified documents case against Trump, faced questions before the House Judiciary Committee but chose silence over answers.

A prosecutor central to the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump, Jay Bratt, exercised his Fifth Amendment right in a congressional interview. Bratt's decision stems from worries over the Trump administration's aggressive tactics against perceived adversaries, according to a spokesman.

Despite being subpoenaed for a closed-door session with the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, Bratt invoked his constitutional right to remain silent. Prior to retiring before Trump's presidency, Bratt served over 30 years in the Justice Department and played a crucial role as a national security prosecutor under special counsel Jack Smith.

The Justice Department charged Trump in 2023 with mishandling classified materials at Mar-a-Lago and obstructing recovery efforts. Although a Florida judge later dismissed the prosecution, concerns about the administration's actions reverberate, highlighted by a 'weaponisation working group' reviewing previous governance decisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)