WASHINGTON — Donald Trump was indicted in Manhattan by a grand jury . This is a sign that the former president remains in power within the party.
Many of his potential or declared rivals quickly asserted that Trump’s possible prosecution was more about politics than it was about the possibility of him committing a crime.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called it un-American and a “weaponization” of the legal system in order to promote a political agenda.
“The Soros-backed Manhattan district attorney has repeatedly bent the law to downgrade felonies, and to excuse criminal conduct.” DeSantis stated in a statement that he was now stretching the law to attack a political opponent.
He stated that Florida would not support an extradition request in “questionable circumstances.”
Although DeSantis isn’t yet a candidate for the presidency, he is widely considered to be the most likely alternative to Trump and has been the subject of constant attacks by the ex-president over the past months.
Former South Carolina Governor. Nikki Haley was the first major candidate in the race to challenge Donald Trump in 2024. She posted a video before the video was made public in which she criticised Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney.
“This is more about revenge then it is about justice,” Haley, who was U.N. Ambassador under Trump, tweeted on Thursday.
Former Vice President Mike Pence stated on CNN, that Trump’s indictment was “just one more example of political criminalization in this country.”
Pence stated Thursday evening that he thought the “unprecedented indictment” of a former president of America on a campaign finance matter was an outrage. It appears to millions of Americans that it is nothing more than a political trial.”
He stated that it was a “great disservice to the nation.”
Trump criticized Pence for not overturning his election loss and subjected him to “hang Mike Pence!” chants on Jan. 6, 2021 by Trump backers. Pence is now considering a run in 2024. He claimed that the indictment would not have any bearing on his decision.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who is moving toward a presidential bid has criticized Bragg for being a “procriminal New York DA,” who has “weaponized law against political enemies.”
This is a terrible thing that should not be happening in the most beautiful country on Earth. In a statement to NBC News, he stated that the presumption is of innocence is a central part of our legal system but is being selectively discarded today by those on far left. “I hear from families hungry for the truth as I travel across the country. They are desperate for hope. They want all the rules to be applied to them.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who was encouraged by others to run for the presidency, described the indictment as “manufactured” by political motives.
Trump’s rush to defend him could increase his political power in the GOP, at the very least, in the short-term, since he leads the majority of polls for the nomination.
Trump’s Republican strategist said bluntly that this was political gold. It’s simple: If Trump doesn’t become the nominee, then election interference works and corrupt prosecutors win.
Fox News’ conservative commentators speculated that Trump would gain support from his political base due to the indictment.
Francey Hakes, a former prosecutor, quoted Obi-Wan from “Star Wars,” saying that “if you strike me down I shall become more power than you can possibly imagine.” This is because getting indicted for Trump and his movements will “make them more powerful than what they can imagine.”
Top Democrats and Trump critics argued that no one is above the law and that people shouldn’t jump to any conclusions.
An Illinois Republican, Adam Kinzinger, stated Thursday on CNN that he and his former GOP colleagues should take a deep breath and wait for the evidence and charges before concluding Trump did not commit a crime.
He claimed that the “premeditated decision” to pursue Bragg “without knowing what’s in it” was “cowardice or political aims by Republicans who defended Trump.
Asa Hutchinson is an ex-Arkansas governor who is considering a presidential run. She took a more measured approach, and advised people to not jump to conclusions.
He stated that “we need to wait on facts” and that the American system of justice should work as it does for thousands of Americans each day.” However, he added that Trump “shouldn’t be the next president” but “that should be decided b the voters.”
