Stephen Colbert discusses the Congressional hearing of FBI agent Peter Strzok, who was questioned about his anti-Trump text messages exchanged with his mistress, an FBI lawyer. Republicans see the texts as proof of a conspiracy within the FBI to stop Donald Trump from being elected. Strzok defended himself, stating that his personal beliefs never influenced his actions as an FBI agent. The hearing was marked by intense exchanges between Strzok and Republican congressmen, including Trey Gowdy and Louie Gohmert. Colbert mocks the Republicans' attempts to undermine the integrity of law enforcement and protect the president from investigation.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Stephen Colbert hosted a show discussing the testimony of FBI agent Peter Strzok before the House Judiciary Committee.
2. Peter Strzok was part of the FBI's investigations into 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 conspiracy within the FBI to stop Donald Trump from being elected president.
5. Strzok went before Congress, where he was questioned by Trey Gowdy, Bob Goodlatte, and Jerry Nadler, among others.
6. Strzok declined to answer some questions based on instructions from FBI lawyers.
7. The Chairman, Bob Goodlatte, refused to let Strzok confer with the FBI counsel during the hearing.
8. Jerry Nadler accused Goodlatte of hiding the truth and attempting to obfuscate the issue.
9. Trey Gowdy questioned Strzok's impartiality due to his text messages.
10. Strzok denied that his personal beliefs influenced his actions as an FBI agent.
11. Louie Gohmert questioned Strzok's honesty, bringing up his affair with his mistress.
12. Strzok responded by questioning Gohmert's character and what drives him.
13. The hearing was seen as an attempt by Congress to undermine the integrity of law enforcement and protect the president from investigation.