Politicians from both sides of the aisle have reacted to the news of
former US President Donald Trump's indictment by a Manhattan grand jury on
Tuesday.
The charges relate to 34 felony counts of falsifying
business records in connection with hush money paid to porn star Stormy
Daniels, making Trump the first former US president to face criminal
charges. However, Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In
a series of tweets, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff of California
called the indictment "a somber moment in the life of our country" and
emphasised the importance of holding even the most powerful individuals
accountable for their actions.
Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has threatened to subpoena the Manhattan DA in an effort to disrupt the proceedings.
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) April 4, 2023
⁰But I also serve on the Judiciary Committee—and let me tell you—we'll fight this attempt to interfere with the administration of justice.
Today is a somber day.
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) April 4, 2023
And I wanted to share some thoughts with you as we witness an American president arraigned on criminal charges:
Our democracy is fragile and depends on adherence to the rule of law, and the idea that no one is above the law.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, on the other hand,
criticised the charges as absurd in a video he posted on Twitter.
Today is a bad day for all of us & we are all going to regret it for a very long time pic.twitter.com/Nc2oMpeFz0
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 4, 2023
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican,
vowed to fight against those who seek to destroy the Republic and stood with
Trump.
The left's weaponization of the justice system to go after Trump, shows there is no limit, they'll use it to go after the mom at school board meetings or anyone with conservative values.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) April 4, 2023
I stand w/Trump & will always fight against those who want to destroy our Republic. #Trump pic.twitter.com/RIfvfyeIwK
Democrat Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York urged Trump
to take responsibility, hold himself accountable, and go away.
Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York
expressed confidence that Trump will receive a fair trial that follows the
facts and the law.
Democrat Representative Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania called
Trump an immoral and corrupt citizen responsible for many firsts, none of
which were positive for the country.
No one should be above the law.
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) April 4, 2023
Today proved that.
Mr. Trump was a president of many firsts — none of which were good for our country.
His arraignment is another first — all of his own making.
An immoral man. Corrupt citizen.
Twice-impeached former President.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas called the
indictment baseless and politically motivated.
I believe that Donald Trump will have a fair trial that follows the facts and the law. There’s no place in our justice system for any outside influence or intimidation in the legal process. As the trial proceeds, protest is an American right, but all protests must be peaceful.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 4, 2023
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the
case will affect Trump's political aspirations and his legacy. It is worth
noting that the indictment of a former president on criminal charges is
unprecedented in American history.
The investigation was led by
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and it coincided with Trump's bid
for the Republican nomination in 2024. The White House declined to comment
on the ongoing case.
