Classified documents case: Donald Trump indicted on 37 counts; MAGA world condemns act

Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted with 37 counts in the Mar-a-Lago documents case. The unsealed indictment which was released on Friday, alleged that Trump unlawfully possessed classified files related to US nuclear and defense programs.

An indictment unsealed by the Justice Department Friday underscores the high-level material the former president kept after leaving office, the times he improperly shared it with those without clearances and the extent he sought to block any efforts to retrieve them.

The documents Trump took "included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries, United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack," the indictment said. "The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States," it said.

“I’m innocent and we will prove that very, very soundly and hopefully very quickly," Donald Trump said in a video post.

Also Read: What does Donald Trump's indictment mean for his 2024 US Presidential candidacy?

MAGA world has condemn its angst on social media ever since the former president has been indicted in the case. Republicans have alleged that the investigation into Trump, who is running to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden from the White House in 2024, is politically motivated. Biden and top officials have repeatedly said the Justice Department is acting independently.

Also Read: Elon Musk flags ‘far higher interest’ in pursuing Donald Trump after indictment

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the indictment of rival Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and said that there had been what he called double standards in issuing charges.

In a tweet, he questioned, “Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter?”, further adding that “the weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society.”

Sen. Josh Hawley in a tweet wrote, “If the people in power can jail their political opponents at will, we don’t have a republic”

Rep. Troy Nehls also added, “President Trump has been indicted. We live in a Banana Republic”

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy calls it a dark day for the United States. In a tweet, he wrote, “Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America. It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice. House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable”

Senator John Barrasso, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference calls the indictment as unequal application of justice.

While issuing a statement, he wrote, “This indictment certainly looks like an unequal application of justice. ... Large amounts of classified materials were found in President Biden’s garage in Delaware. No indictment. Hillary Clinton had a computer server in her house with classified documents. No indictment. ... You can’t help but ask why this is happening. It feels political, and it’s rotten.”