Democrats, Republicans React to Possible Trump Arrest

Democrats and Republicans express their reactions after former President Donald Trump’s announcement concerning his impending indictment and his call on his supporters to “protest” and “take our nation back.”

Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker and Democrat, accuses Donald Trump of being “reckless.” In a statement on March 18, Pelosi expressed, “The former president’s announcement this morning is reckless, doing so to keep himself in the news and to foment unrest among his supporters. He cannot hide from his violations of the law, disrespect for our elections, and incitements to violence. Rightfully, our legal system will decide how to hold him accountable.” Pelosi emphasized that the case against Trump was significant, and no one is above the law, even a former US President.

The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, is investigating Trump’s involvement in providing $130,000 in hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung called Bragg’s investigation into Trump a “witch hunt” and said Trump is “completely innocent” and did “nothing wrong.”

On March 21, Trump insisted that his possible indictment in the case would be “based on an old & fully debunked (by numerous other prosecutors!) fairy tale.”

Some Democrats shared Pelosi’s criticism of Trump. Rep. Jimmy Gomez wrote that Trump’s call to supporters was reminiscent of the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, where he incited an insurrection. Rep. Eric Swalwell posted on Twitter that Trump’s “goal is acts of violence in his name,” and they must be prepared to protect against it.

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has rallied around Trump, calling the looming indictment an “outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA who lets violent criminals walk as he pursues political vengeance against President Trump.” McCarthy directed House committees to investigate whether federal funds were used for the looming indictment against Trump.

Republican House Chairwoman Elise Stefanik issued a statement criticizing the radical left. Rep. Andy Biggs questioned the justice system in the US, asking why Trump would be indicted before any of the crooks in the Biden family.

Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake issued a statement defending Trump’s call to protest. “The President has called for peaceful protests. And I would remind his critics that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution grants us the right to peaceably assemble…USE IT. And make it very clear that we stand with President Donald J. Trump, and all Americans who are under attack by the corrupt political machine.”

Donald Trump is scheduled to hold his first 2024 campaign rally in Waco, Texas, on March 25.