House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) found himself at the center of controversy after remarks made about lawmakers who investigated Donald Trump over the January 6 insurrection. His comments, noted in a recent Bulwark report, sparked a fierce reaction from “Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough on Thursday morning.
During a discussion on Trump’s desire to have those who investigated him prosecuted, Comer made a bold claim. “With politicians, if you’ve used a congressional committee and you’ve lied and tried to set people up and falsely imprisoned people, then you should be held accountable,” he said, according to the Bulwark.
Co-host Mika Brzezinski read Comer’s quote, prompting an immediate response from Scarborough. “Wow. I mean that’s a hell of a confession by James Comer who lied repeatedly, repeatedly, about Joe Biden,” Scarborough exclaimed. He then took a pointed jab at Comer, asking, “Is he going to send himself to jail? Is that what he is telling us right here?” The sarcastic remark was met with laughter from Brzezinski, who continued to report on the situation.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), who was also quoted in the Bulwark report, agreed with Comer’s sentiment, adding, “If they broke the law, then they should [be imprisoned]. Now we know that they’ve manipulated evidence, so—if that’s the case, then absolutely.”
Scarborough’s criticism of Comer’s comments highlights the growing tension between lawmakers over investigations into the January 6 events and the broader political implications for those involved. As the debate continues, the accusations and counter-accusations seem set to fuel further divisions, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions around accountability for actions taken by both sides in the political arena.