Staff Reports
Lawmakers are responding to the announcement of new charges against former President Donald Trump by special counsel Jack Smith. Republicans are expressing concern over the charges, which target additional Trump affiliates in the investigation.
Donald Trump indicted: Lawmakers react to additional charges brought against Trump https://t.co/SQXTAmrSvK
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 28, 2023
Senator Josh Hawley is questioning the timing of these charges, suggesting they are being added as a distraction from Hunter Biden’s failed plea deal with the Department of Justice. Hawley argues that including random people in the indictments undermines the credibility of the charges.
The DOJ’s decision to pursue additional charges against President Trump is further evidence of the politicization of our nation’s top prosecutorial agency. Amid AG Garland's dismissal of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden & Hillary Clinton, Tennesseans are tired of two tiers of justice.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) July 27, 2023
@SpeakerPelosi, speaking at @VotersTomorrow summit, re latest Trump charges: “The very idea that we’re talking about such things … the very idea that his supporters think he is above the law.” pic.twitter.com/rXhwgmWTjg
— Erin Doherty (@erinpdoherty) July 27, 2023
One of the newly added individuals is Carlos De Oliveira, the head of maintenance at Mar-a-Lago. De Oliveira is implicated in the obstruction conspiracy charge by assisting Trump aide Walt Nauta in moving classified documents. According to the court filing, De Oliveira requested the erasure of surveillance footage at Mar-a-Lago at Trump’s request. Nauta also faces additional charges.
Hawley expressed his frustration with these developments, accusing the Department of Justice of abusing its power and subverting the rule of law. Senator Marsha Blackburn also criticized the DOJ’s decision, citing it as an example of the justice system being politicized.
Meanwhile, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took the opportunity to criticize Trump and his supporters, calling them a cult and making derogatory comments about the former president.
It is clear that there is a stark divide in how these charges are being perceived across party lines. While Republicans are questioning the motives and timing of the new charges, Democrats like Pelosi are using it as an opportunity to attack Trump and his supporters. This case continues to highlight the deep divide in American politics and the ongoing battles between the two major parties.
