Stephen Colbert discusses the congressional hearing of FBI Agent Peter Strzok, who was questioned about his anti-Trump text messages. Colbert mocks the Republicans' claims of a conspiracy and notes that Strzok allowed Trump to be elected, undermining their argument. He then plays a clip of the hearing, where Strzok clashes with Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) over his text messages. Colbert also highlights an exchange between Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Goodlatte, where Nadler accuses Goodlatte of hiding the truth. Later, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) sparks outrage by asking Strzok about his infidelity, leading to a heated exchange. Colbert concludes that the hearing was an attempt by Congress to undermine the integrity of law enforcement and protect President Trump from investigation.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Stephen Colbert hosted "The Late Show" and discussed the testimony of FBI Agent Peter Strzok before the House Judiciary Committee.
2. Strzok was part of the FBI's investigations into both Hillary Clinton and the Trump campaign in 2016.
3. Strzok exchanged anti-Trump text messages with his mistress, an FBI lawyer.
4. Republicans see these texts as proof of a vast conspiracy within the FBI to stop Donald Trump from being elected president.
5. Strzok declined to answer some questions from Congressman Trey Gowdy, citing instructions from FBI lawyers.
6. The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Bob Goodlatte, refused to let Strzok confer with the FBI counsel during the hearing.
7. Congressman Jerrold Nadler accused Goodlatte of hiding the truth and trying to obstruct the hearing.
8. The hearing became intense, with several points of order and objections raised by both Democrats and Republicans.
9. Strzok was questioned by Congressman Louie Gohmert, who made personal attacks on Strzok's character.
10. Strzok responded by questioning Gohmert's own character and what was going on inside him.
11. The hearing was seen as an effort by Congress to undermine the integrity of law enforcement and protect the president from being investigated for potentially criminal acts.