Last week a Florida federal grand jury indicted former president Donald Trump on thirty-seven federal charges related to his improper retention of classified documents and his obstruction of the government’s investigation into his handling of those documents. Walt Nauta, Trump’s personal assistant or “body man,” was also indicted on six felony counts. Trump was arraigned on Tuesday, June 13 and pleaded not guilty.
Special counsel Jack Smith inconveniently chose to indict Trump right before the weekend of my daughter’s wedding, so I am just getting caught up. The indictment paints a devastating picture. A lot of legal maneuvering lies ahead, but Smith’s prosecutors have put together a compelling case and Trump is in real legal peril.
The first federal indictment of a former president takes us into uncharted waters. There are risks of a backlash and retaliation by Republicans, and even of potential violence from Trump supporters. You are already hearing claims this a political prosecution and represents a “weaponization” of the justice system.
Just the opposite is true. Anyone else who engaged in similar misconduct would be indicted. If Trump were not charged, it would suggest a former president is above the law.
Although this indictment is a sobering development for the country, it’s a good development for the rule of law. Justice required nothing less.
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