Minnesota lawmakers react to Trump’s indictment
FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on his plane after a campaign rally at Waco Regional Airport, in Waco, Texas, March 25, 2023, while en route to West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
A Manhattan grand jury has voted to indict Donald Trump on charges involving payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter, the first-ever criminal case against a former U.S. president and a jolt to Trump’s bid to retake the White House in 2024.
RELATED: Grand jury votes to indict Trump; 1st former US president charged with crime
Members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation have made statements reacting to the news.
Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat representing the 2nd Congressional District, issued a statement that reads, in part, “Today serves as a solemn reminder that we can never allow politics to dictate the rule of law. Every American plays a critical role in the preservation of our democracy and the safety of our communities, and I strongly urge anyone exercising their First Amendment rights in response to this announcement to do so peacefully.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents the 5th Congressional District, wrote, “Make no mistake: the fact that one of the most powerful people in the world was investigated impartially and indicted is testament to the fact that we still live in a nation of laws. And no one is above the law.”
Rep. Dean Phillips of the 3rd Congressional District stated, “No one is above the law and everyone has the right to due process. And tonight is a historically sad one for America.”
Fourth District Congresswoman Betty McCollum tweeted, “No one is above the law—not even a current or former president.”
On the other side of the aisle, the Republican Party of Minnesota issued the following statement:
“It is disconcerting to see our justice system used to pursue partisan ends. A Democrat district attorney is busy tying up time and resources to go after a political opponent instead of cracking down on lawlessness in New York – which just saw another year of record-breaking crime.”
Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann
U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District and House of Representatives Majority Whip Tom Emmer called the indictment a “witch hunt.”
AP News contributed to this article.