Watch: Dem lawmaker takes brutal shot at Matt Gaetz to debunk 'weaponized DOJ' claims
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) on Tuesday used a congressional hearing featuring testimony of Attorney General Merrick Garland to undermine claims from his Republican colleagues about the United States Department of Justice being "weaponized" against Republicans.
While questioning Garland, Cohen made the case that the current DOJ isn't only hitting former President Donald Trump with criminal charges and has not shied away from going after Democrats as well.
"As far as weaponization in the department goes, did the Justice Department indict Sen. Menendez (D-NJ)?" he asked.
"That's a matter of public record, yes," Garland replied.
"He's a Democrat isn't he?" Cohen asked.
"I'm assuming the answer is yes," replied Garland.
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Cohen then added that the Garland-run DOJ had also brought corruption charges against Rep. Henry Cueller (D-TX) and even against Hunter Biden, the son of Democratic President Joe Biden.
"The son of the president is under trial in Delaware," he said. "So you haven't weaponized the Justice Department in terms of hiding and protecting Democrats Menendez, Cuellar, and Hunter Biden."
Garland affirmed that the DOJ did not hesitate to bring charges against defendants based on their political parties.
Cohen then took a shot at Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who had been under investigation for a case that involved sex trafficking, and Cohen called him a "living testament to the fact, and direct evidence, that you have not weaponized the Justice Department."
"While many were expecting a prosecution, you chose not to prosecute this very active Republican," Cohen said.
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