Reactions poured in Thursday and Friday, from notable names in response to the indictment of former president Donald Trump.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine (via WGME):
“I don’t know what to make of it. This is an unprecedented situation.”
U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, D-Maine:
“I believe it is important for the legal process to play out fairly and expeditiously, in New York or anywhere else. Like any other American, President Trump is entitled to due process of law.
I strongly condemn statements by President Trump himself and other elected Republican officials attacking the rule of law and once again seeking to incite political violence. Their provocations demonstrate precisely why this indictment is so important.”
U.S. Representative Jared Golden, D-Maine (via WGME):
“No one is above the law. Our legal system is built upon the principle of innocence until proven guilty and we should let the process play out without bias or political interference.”
U.S. Senator Angus King, I-Maine (via WGME):
“An indictment by a grand jury is the very beginning of the criminal justice process and does not determine guilt or innocence. Under our system, the next steps place a heavy burden on the prosecution — to prove the charges (whatever they may be) beyond a reasonable doubt.
The former president, like any other citizen, then has every right to present his defense on the law and the facts.
While this case is unusual, the principle underlying it is not — in our country, no one is above the law.”
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Ca:
“The indictment of a former president is unprecedented. But so too is the unlawful conduct in which Trump has been engaged. A nation of laws must hold the rich and powerful accountable, even when they hold high office. Especially when they do. To do otherwise is not democracy.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Ca:
“(Manhattan District Attorney) Alvin Bragg has irreparably damaged our country in an attempt to interfere in our Presidential election. As he routinely frees violent criminals to terrorize the public, he weaponized our sacred system of justice against President Donald Trump.
The American people will not tolerate this injustice, and the House of Representatives will hold Alvin Bragg and his unprecedented abuse of power to account.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
“No one is above the law, and everyone has the right to a trial to prove innocence. Hopefully, the former President will peacefully respect the system, which grants him that right.”
Michael Cohen, former lawyer to Trump, on MSNBC:
“Today’s indictment is not the end of the chapter, it is just the beginning … Accountability really matters.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis:
“The weaponization of the legal system to advance a political agenda turns the rule of law on its head. It is un-American. The Soros-backed Manhattan District Attorney has consistently bent the law to downgrade felonies and to excuse criminal misconduct.
Yet, now he is stretching the law to target a political opponent. Florida will not assist in an extradition request given the questionable circumstances at issue with this Soros-backed Manhattan prosecutor and his political agenda.”
US Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Ca:
“The indictment of a former president is a somber day for America. It’s also a time to put faith in our judicial system. Donald Trump deserves every protection provided to him by the Constitution. As that unfolds, let us neither celebrate nor destroy. Justice benefits us all.”
