Trump indictment sees Republicans fall in line – with some notable exceptions

Washington DC - As Donald Trump lashed out at his new indictment in Florida, many fellow Republicans fell in line behind him, but there were also some glaring exceptions.

Donald Trump's indictment brought out statements of support from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (r.) and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Donald Trump's indictment brought out statements of support from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (r.) and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.  © Collage: REUTERS & MANDEL NGAN / AFP

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy voiced support for the ex-president.

"I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice," the California Republican tweeted.

"House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable," he added.

Marjorie Taylor Green doubles down on attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson despite pushback
Marjorie Taylor Greene Marjorie Taylor Green doubles down on attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson despite pushback

Senator Marco Rubio, of Florida, who lost the GOP presidential nomination to Trump in 2016, also voiced solidarity.

"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 tweeted, though it was not clear whom he was referring to.

Other diehard Trump supporters also closed ranks.

"Sad day for America. God Bless President Trump," Representative Jim Jordan, of Ohio, tweeted.

"Democrats must literally shake with sweats when they see amazing packed out Trump rallies and overwhelming winning poll numbers week after week," Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted. "We must win in 2024."

Trump announced he had been indicted by a Florida grand jury on Thursday on charges related to taking classified documents to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach Florida when he left office. He was charged with illegal retention of government secrets, obstruction of justice and conspiracy, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources.

Some Republicans break ranks to criticize Trump

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, who is vying for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, called on Trump to suspend his campaign.
Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, who is vying for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, called on Trump to suspend his campaign.  © REUTERS

Not every Republican figure was willing to toe the line.

Former Arkansas governor and 2024 presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson called on Trump to end his reelection campaign.

"With the news that Donald Trump has been indicted for the second time, our country finds itself in a position that weakens our democracy. 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," the former Arkansas governor said in a statement Thursday night.

Melania brought mother to US through immigration process criticized by Trump
Melania Trump Melania brought mother to US through immigration process criticized by Trump

"This is a sad day for our country," he continued. "While Donald Trump is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the ongoing criminal proceedings will be a major distraction. This reaffirms the need for Donald Trump to respect the office and end his campaign."

Long-shot Republican presidential contender Steve Laffey said Trump "continues to make a mockery of the electoral process."

"It's time the RNC and (voters) take a closer look at the candidates and realize that Donald Trump cannot with the 2024 Presidential Election," he tweeted.

On the other hand, Vivek Ramaswamy, who is also seeking the Republican presidential nomination, called the indictment an affront, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed Trump's claims of a "weaponized" DOJ, adding on Twitter that he would "excise political bias" if elected president.

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS & MANDEL NGAN / AFP

More on Donald Trump: