Republicans usually react angrily to Trump’s announcement that he will be charged with handling classified documents.
Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, has announced that he will be indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents.
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he was subpoenaed to appear in a federal court in Florida on Tuesday.
The Justice Department has not confirmed the charges.
Below are some reactions from American politicians.
Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House, Republican
“Today is indeed a black day for the United States of America. It is unconscionable for a president to indict the leading candidate against him.
“Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice. House Republicans will hold accountable for this brutal weaponization of power.”
Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida and candidate for the Republican nomination
“The arming of federal law enforcement poses a mortal threat to a free society.
For years we have witnessed an uneven application of the law depending on political affiliation. Why so zealous about chasing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter?
The DeSantis administration will be accountable to the DOJ, excise political bias, and end armaments once and for all.
The arming of federal law enforcement poses a mortal threat to a free society.
For years we have witnessed an uneven application of the law depending on political affiliation.
Why so zealous about chasing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter?
The DeSantis…
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) June 9, 2023
Chris Christie, candidate for the Republican nomination
“We don’t get our news from Trump’s Truth Social account. Let’s see what the facts are when a possible indictment is released. As I have said before, no one is above the law, however much they would like to be. We will have more to say when the facts come to light.”
We don’t get our news from Trump’s Truth Social account. Let’s see what the facts are when a possible indictment is released. As I have said before, no one is above the law, however much they would like to be. We will have more to say when the facts come to light.
— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) June 9, 2023
Asa Hutchinson, candidate for the Republican nomination
“Donald Trump’s actions — from his willful disregard for the Constitution to his disrespect for the rule of law — should not define our nation or the Republican Party. This is a sad day for our country.”
Vivek Ramaswamy, candidate for the Republican nomination
“It would be much easier for me to win this election if Trump wasn’t in the race, but I stand for principles over politics. I commit to immediately pardon Trump on January 20, 2025 and restore the rule of law to our country.”
Representative Dan Goldman, Democrat
“Again, a grand jury has found probable cause to indict former President Trump. This country was founded on the principle that we are a government of laws, not people, and that no one, not even a former president, is above the law.
“We are blessed with a justice system designed to uphold the robust rights of all defendants, and like any other criminal defendant, Donald Trump has long had a constitutional right to a trial by jury, to confront his accusers, and to legal counsel.
“If he believes that the legal or factual basis for his charge is unfounded, he may present that argument to a judge, who decides on the law, or a jury, who decides on the facts. But this matter must be taken to court, not to the court of public opinion and certainly not to the halls of Congress.”
Representative Elise Stefanik, Republican
“The American people are smart and understand that this is the embodiment of the federal government’s illegal and unprecedented weaponization against Joe Biden’s main opponent, President Donald J. Trump. The radical left will do everything it can to interfere in the 2024 election to support Joe Biden’s catastrophic presidency and desperate campaign.”
STAND WITH TRUMP! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gvngEMLuKs
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) June 9, 2023
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of Twitter
“There seems to be a lot more interest in chasing Trump compared to other people in politics. It is very important that the legal system rebut what appears to be differentiated enforcement or they will lose public trust.”