During a recent segment on Fox News, legal analyst Gregg Jarrett once again criticized the ‘hush money’ case against former President Donald Trump. The trial began on Monday with jury selection, and Jarrett wasted no time in expressing his disapproval. He joined a chorus of legal analysts from both sides of the political spectrum who have questioned Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s decision to bring 34 charges against Trump.
The charges accuse Trump of feloniously attempting to conceal payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, allegedly related to an affair that took place 18 years ago. Trump has consistently denied these allegations. It is worth noting that these charges would typically be considered misdemeanors, and the statute of limitations had already expired. Despite this, Bragg proceeded with the charges, even after federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York declined to pursue them in 2018, during Trump’s presidency.
In his analysis on Monday, Jarrett not only criticized Bragg but also called out other Democratic officials involved in the case. He pointed out that Hillary Clinton, the 2016 presidential nominee, had engaged in similar behavior during her unsuccessful campaign. However, Clinton was never prosecuted for her actions. Jarrett’s remarks highlight what he perceives as a double standard in the treatment of Trump compared to other politicians.
“Hillary Clinton did pretty much the same thing,” Jarrett said. “She, too, used a lawyer to secretly pay for the phony Steele Dossier and booking it as legal expenses. She was fined by the [Federal Election Commission], but she wasn’t prosecuted, and neither was Barack Obama, even though he was fined a whopping $375,000 for hiding donors and keeping illegal contributions.”
The Daily Caller added:
“Jarrett pointed out similarities between the case and the lack of prosecution towards Clinton, whose campaign financed a since-discredited dossier assembled by Christopher Steele alleging Trump colluded with Russia during the 2016 election.”
“But, if your last name is Trump, the standard of justice is completely different and turned on its head,” Jarrett added.
In addition, Jarrett expressed his disapproval of the prolonged gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan on April 1st, in response to Trump’s derogatory comments about the judge and his daughter on Truth Social. The judge’s decision to expand the gag order was prompted by Trump’s posts, one of which shared a New York Post article highlighting Loren Merchan’s firm’s involvement in raising $93 million for Democratic causes and candidates after Trump’s indictment in the case.
During the earlier part of the interview, Jarrett strongly criticized Bragg for what he characterized as a convoluted and arduous prosecution process. He pointed out that the federal government had thoroughly investigated the matter and concluded it without any charges or fines being imposed.
“[Bragg] had to attach it to a supposed election law violation, well it’s not. Federal Election Commission investigated, and they said this is perfectly legal. It is not a campaign donation,” Jarrett said. “The DOJ concluded there is no crime here.
“But, you know, enter Alvin Bragg who is charging under federal law even though he is a local prosecutor and has no jurisdiction and authority to do that. But the judge is letting him get away with it,” he added.
