After Trump's indictment, Republicans stand together, Democrats welcome decision
In court in Manhattan after the indictment of Donald Trump, in New York, March 30, 2023. REUTERS - EDUARDO MUNOZ
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
Donald Trump the first former president in American history to be criminally charged. The decision of the Manhattan grand jury in the case of buying the silence of porn star Stormy Daniels is unprecedented and provokes many reactions.
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Unsurprisingly, Republicans are united behind the former president after the announcement of his criminal indictment, Thursday, March 30, reports our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin. It must be said that he aspires to become one again with the support of a good part of conservative voters.
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin MacCarthy, who owes his chair to the elected Trumpists, promises to make assume his responsibilities to the prosecutor Alvin Bragg. Former Vice President Mike Pence, threatened on January 6, 2021 by supporters of Donald Trump, denounces a scandal. Even the candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election, Ron DeSantis, promises, in his capacity as governor of Florida, Donald Trump's state of residence, not to facilitate his eventual extradition to New York State.
For the Democrats, on the contrary, it is satisfaction. The chairman of the defunct January 6 Select Committee, Bennie Thompson, explains that no one is above the law.
« He is not yet handcuffed on his wrists »
In New York, where the billionaire is not very popular, the news was hailed as a victory for justice, even if the city has increased security, in the event of violent protests. "I've been waiting for this for so many years. I am happy to see that no one, not even a former president, is above the law, "reacts a New Yorker, at the microphone of our correspondent Loubna Anaki. After the announcement of Donald Trump's indictment, he came out of curiosity in front of Trump Tower, in Manhattan, Thursday night. "I think it was time for something official to finally say he did wrong," said one woman. "I still have a little trouble believing it even if we expected it. This is a great day for America and our democracy! " says another.
But in this traditionally Democratic city, many are cautious, even skeptical about the next steps. "He doesn't have handcuffs on his wrists yet... But I hope he will have them, that he will answer well for his actions, "says one of the onlookers.
The White House remains silent. Joe Biden never misses an opportunity to defend the independence of the judiciary. And especially as he prepares a candidacy for a new term, he remains cautious. The political consequences of this decision are still difficult to measure.
According to his lawyers, Donald Trump could surrender to the New York justice as early as Tuesday. A surrender for which the police of the city has been preparing for several days to avoid any excesses. The NYPD's 36,000 police officers were ordered to report to their stations on Friday.
► Read also: Porn actress Stormy Daniels sues Donald Trump (March 7, 2018
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Grand jury in New York votes to indict Donald Trump criminally