House Republicans reacted with outrage on Thursday night to the federal indictment of former President Donald J. Trump, vowing to use their majority in Congress to fight the Justice Department.
“WITCH HUNT,” was posted on the Twitter account of the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee within minutes of news of the indictment becoming public.
The Justice Department lodged federal criminal charges against Donald Trump, following an investigation into his handling of classified documents upon leaving office and into whether he obstructed the government’s efforts to reclaim them. It remains unclear precisely what materials were found at his Florida residence and what national security damage his possession of them caused, if any.
The indictment is the first time a former American president has faced federal charges. It puts the nation in an extraordinary position, given Trump’s status as the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to face President Biden, whose administration will now be seeking to convict his potential rival.
Trump was charged with a total of seven counts, including willfully retaining national defense secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, making false statements and conspiracy to obstruct justice, according to people familiar with the matter. He is expected to surrender himself to authorities in Miami on Tuesday.
Context: The indictment came about two months after prosecutors in New York filed more than 30 felony charges against Trump in a case connected to a hush money payment to a porn star in advance of the 2016 election. The former president still faces other open criminal investigations.
