FEC Commissioner accuses DA Bragg of overstepping legal bounds in charging Trump

A Federal Elections Commission member testified before a House panel accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of overstepping his authority and Federal campaign law in bringing charges against former President Donald Trump. Commissioner Trey Trainor also criticized the Department of Justice for not intervening in Bragg’s case.

Trainor expressed his concerns during his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, stating that Bragg’s actions undermine the jurisdiction reserved for federal authorities by Congress. He also claimed that allowing state officers to assert Federal jurisdiction sets a dangerous precedent for legal proceedings at the state level.

Bragg’s prosecution of Trump was based on allegations of violating Federal campaign finance laws, specifically citing a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. The jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in a Manhattan courtroom.

Trainor criticized the DOJ for not intervening in Trump’s prosecution, pointing out that the Federal Election Campaign Act is designed to ensure a uniform application of campaign finance laws nationwide. He warned of the dangers of allowing state prosecutors to interpret and enforce Federal laws independently.

Trainor emphasized the need for exclusive authority for the DOJ and FEC to enforce campaign laws to avoid politically motivated prosecutions. He urged lawmakers to address the issue of local prosecutorial overreach in Federal matters.

Bragg has agreed to appear before the committee following Trump’s sentencing hearing in Manhattan on July 12.