Donald Trump has made history as the first US president to be indicted by a grand jury, accused of campaign finance violations related to a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The indictment, which is currently sealed, is being investigated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, for potential violations of New York State law. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and his defense has already begun, with his attorney Joe Tacopina declaring that he does not expect Trump to be in handcuffs.
The precedent set by Trump's indictment has enabled Republican prosecutors to seek criminal charges against President Joe Biden, including investigations into his apparent mishandling of classified records and potential involvement in his son Hunter and brother James Biden's international business transactions. Records from Hunter's laptop showed an email from an associate proposing that the "big guy" receive 10% of the proceeds from a partnership with CEFC, which Hunter and James Biden ultimately received at least $4.8 million from.
Republicans have been vocal in their support of the ex-President, with some even blaming George Soros for the indictment. Despite this, Trump received a standing ovation from fellow guests and support from his adviser Gina Loudon when out for dinner with his wife Melania at Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida. Ed Rollins proposed a "dead chicken strategy" in retaliation for politicized and weaponized false charges against Trump and Republicans.
The indictment of Trump has raised questions about the status of key investigations into him and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and has been challenged due to the rise of social media and 24/7 news. Trump was previously impeached twice by the House and both times acquitted by the Senate, while Bill Clinton was impeached but not convicted. Republicans have also introduced multiple resolutions recently to impeach President Biden. This indictment is a statement that no one is above the law and that the rule of law only survives when it is equally applied to everyone. Despite their differences, both Democrats and Republicans agree that no one is above law and justice should be served.