Trump was indicted on criminal charges. What are Florida leaders saying about that?
Donald Trump is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. What’s the internet saying about that?
Trump was indicted Thursday by a Manhattan grand jury for, reports say, allegedly hiding a hush-money payment to an adult film actress during his 2016 presidential campaign. Since the indictment became public, social media has been abuzz with debate about the Republican leader’s past actions and the investigations into them.
READ MORE: Trump indicted, charged with illegal hush-money payments, reports say
The charges complicate his bid for the GOP presidential nomination, a crowded primary race expected to include former Vice President Mike Pence, Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Here’s how Florida politicians and social media users have reacted to the news.
Ron DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis bashed the decision in a tweet that didn’t mention Trump by name.
“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.”
Lori Berman
State Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) shared her take on Twitter, focusing on Trump’s public remarks about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg:
“The Trump indictment shows that threats and intimidation tactics aimed at investigators will never succeed in slowing the wheels of justice. The former president found out today that no one is above our system of laws.”
Ashley Moody
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a Republican, said:
“Upon learning of the NY DA indictment, I am heartbroken by the damage this targeted prosecution will do to the integrity of our justice system. It is a sad day in the story of the United States.”
Lois Frankel
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat, wrote:
“No one is above the law in our country, and that includes the former President of the United States. People should be patient and peaceful as the judicial process moves forward.”
Jimmy Patronis
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Republican, tweeted:
“NEW YORK IS A BANANA REPUBLIC!”
Jared Moskowitz
U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, said:
“This is not a moment to celebrate. This is a terrible moment for the country. But no one is above the law. Those lock her up chants that people were chanting like hyenas in a stadium around the country were never funny, perhaps they now understand why.”
Greg Steube
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Florida) called on DeSantis to step in.
“Governor DeSantis should keep his word and refuse any pressure from the NY DA to extradite President Trump!”
Rick Scott
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican and former Florida governor, also criticized the indictment.
“Corrupt NY Attorneys are following through on their political vendetta against President Trump. They are choosing to waste time attacking a conservative when America has bigger problems to fix. Inflation Open border High crime Fentanyl crisis Just to name a few…”
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