Republican Leaders Respond to Trump’s Indictment on Federal Charges
Donald Trump’s rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination have found plenty to criticize the former president about, but are lining up to support him after his indictment on federal charges. Wary of the possibility of losing the frontrunner’s loyal base, most of the challengers have turned their criticism on the Justice Department rather than capitalizing on Trump’s second indictment, this time over his refusal to return classified documents. Here’s what they had to say.
Ron DeSantis: Florida Governor Seeks Accountability in the DOJ
Ron DeSantis, Trump’s closest challenger, took to Twitter to condemn the indictment as “political bias” against the former president. He wrote, “The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation.” He also promised to “bring accountability to the DOJ.”
Mike Pence Tries to Thread the Needle
Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, tried to handle the situation carefully. “I’m deeply troubled to see this indictment move forward,” Pence said in an interview with conservative talk radio host Hugh Hewitt. “I had said that I had hoped that the DOJ would see its way clear not to move forward here. But let me be very clear. No one is above the law.”
Tim Scott Vows to Purge the Justice Department of Injustices and Impurities
South Carolina senator Tim Scott denounced the indictment in a Fox News interview and echoed claims of the weaponization of the Justice Department. “You don’t have to be a Republican to see injustice and want to fix it,” Scott said. “You don’t have to be a Democrat to see injustice and want to fix it. You just have to be an American and stand up for the right thing.” If elected, Scott vowed to get rid of all the injustices and impurities of the Justice Department.
Vivek Ramaswamy Pledges to Pardon Trump
Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy went the furthest in his defense of Trump, saying that he would pardon him “promptly” if he were elected in 2024. He accused President Joe Biden of instructing the Justice Department to target his political rival despite Biden’s denial. “It would be much easier for me to win this election if Trump weren’t in the race, but I stand for principles over politics,” he said in a lengthy Twitter statement Thursday.
Chris Christie Urges for Facts to be Revealed
Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who called Trump a “self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog” on Tuesday, was more measured on Thursday. “Let’s see what the facts are when any possible indictment is released,” Christie, a former federal prosecutor, tweeted. “As I have said before, no one is above the law, no matter how much they wish they were. We will have more to say when the facts are revealed.”
Asa Hutchinson Calls for Trump to Drop Out
The former Arkansas governor was the most critical of Trump and reiterated his call for him to drop out of the race. “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,” Hutchinson said in a statement.
Nikki Haley Treads Lightly in Criticizing Trump
Trump’s former UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, offered more of the same on Friday. “This is not how justice should be pursued in our country,” her campaign said in a statement. “The American people are exhausted by the prosecutorial overreach, double standards, and vendetta politics. It’s time to move beyond the endless drama and distractions.”
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