Moments after Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he hoarded classified documents and then conspired to obstruct an investigation about it, the Republicans in Congress had his back. Trump’s mounting legal jeopardy has quickly become a political rallying cry as they rush to stand by the indicted former president. Many Republicans say they haven’t fully read the 49-page indictment against Trump. But they are adopting his grievances against the federal justice system as their own. It’s an example of how Trump has transformed the Republican Party that was once the party of “law and order,” but is now attacking the very justice system at the foundation of U.S. democracy.
Putting my political leanings aside, I’m honestly fascinated by the transformation of the Republican party over the past decade. The ‘law and order’ party is now rallying around a former president accused of violating the Espionage Act, which is no small crime. Not only are they supporting him, but they’re actively fundraising off the indictment.
What’s even more intriguing is the claim by some Republicans that this indictment is evidence of a ‘two-tier’ justice system lol. I would love to see any of his supporters actually read the indictment. It’s interesting to see how Trump continues to shape the party, even out of office. The 2024 elections are going to be a very revealing moment for the GOP. Regardless of your political views, I think we can all agree that it’s going to be a wild ride.
The Republican party has not been a “law and order” party even before the past decade. Watergate was illegal. Iran-Contra was illegal. The torture at Abu Ghraib was illegal. The outing of Plame was illegal.