From Florida to California, see what officials are saying after Trump’s federal indictment
Former President Donald Trump says he has been indicted in connection to the classified documents the FBI found last year at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach.
The indictment, which is likely to charge Trump with illegally possessing classified records, among other accusations, was returned by a federal grand jury but remains sealed.
The one-time president said Thursday night on his social media platform Truth Social that he must make his first appearance in Miami federal court on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Trump says he’s been indicted in documents case. Expected in Miami court Tuesday
From Florida to California, here’s what officials are saying on Twitter.
DeSantis, Rubio and Schiff speak out
A few hours after Trump’s announcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — who like Trump is a 2024 presidential candidate for the Republican Party — said that “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 said. “The DeSantis administration will bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all.”
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.
Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter?
The DeSantis…— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) June 9, 2023
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida chimed in, too, accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of “ripping our country apart.”
“There is no limit to what these people will do to protect their power & destroy those who threaten it, even if it means ripping our country apart & shredding public faith in the institutions that hold our republic together,” he added.
There is no limit to what these people will do to protect their power & destroy those who threaten it, even if it means ripping our country apart & shredding public faith in the institutions that hold our republic together
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 9, 2023
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who represents a Southwest Florida congressional district that ranges from the Fort Myers area to Marco Island, called it “another phony indictment.”
“This mob-like justice system is turning Lady Justice on its head and is the most significant threat to our democracy,” he wrote.
On the day members of Congress learn from an FBI document linking then VP Joe Biden to receiving $5 MILLION from Burisma in a pay-for-play scheme, Biden’s DOJ announces another phony indictment of the leading candidate for the GOP Presidential nomination, Biden’s likely opponent,… pic.twitter.com/PyP6f1kL7y
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) June 9, 2023
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose congressional district includes Pensacola and portions of the Florida Panhandle, referred to the indictment a “hoax.”
“This phony Boxes Hoax indictment against President Trump reflects the most severe election interference on the part of the federal government that we have EVER seen!” he said.
This phony Boxes Hoax indictment against President Trump reflects the most severe election interference on the part of the federal government that we have EVER seen! pic.twitter.com/Rl9hiSjhO0
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) June 9, 2023
Conversely, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff of California said Trump’s apparent indictment is “another affirmation of the rule of law.”
“For four years, he acted like he was above the law. But he should be treated like any other lawbreaker. And today, he has been,” he said.
Donald Trump was just federally indicted. Let’s break it down. pic.twitter.com/pjeDweh30v
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) June 9, 2023
And then there was Trump, who was the first to break the news — calling it a “witch hunt.”
“This is indeed a DARK DAY for the United States of America,” he said.
This is a developing story.