Democrats on Trump Indictment: ‘No One Is Above the Law’

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks at a press conference alongside Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) about the Senate Democrats expanded majority for the next 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Dec. 7, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Democrats reacted with relief and caution to news of the indictment of Donald J. Trump by a Manhattan grand jury on March 30, most expressing simple thanks that the idea that “no one is above the law” was applied even in the case of a former president.

“Donald Trump is subject to the same laws as every American. He will be able to avail himself of the legal system and a jury, not politics, to determine his fate according to the facts and the law,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote on Twitter.

House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) intoned a common refrain in Democrat responses: “Fundamental to the strength and survival of democracy is the principle that no one is above the law—including a former President of the United States.”

Clark also voiced a second common concern among Democrats—that the legal system be allowed to work without fear or favor.

A Fair Process

“We must allow the judicial process to continue unimpeded and free from any form of political interference or intimidation. This is not a time for partisanship, but for all Americans to act peacefully and put their faith in the justice system,” Clark wrote.

California Democrat Adam Schiff commented on the uniqueness of the situation and repeated the most common refrain among democratic lawmakers, that no one is above the law.

“The indictment of a former president is unprecedented. But so too is the unlawful conduct in which Trump has been engaged. A nation of laws must hold the rich and powerful accountable, even when they hold high office. Especially when they do. To do otherwise is not democracy,” Schiff posted on Twitter.

Fellow California Democrat Mike Levin, said much the same, adding, “The judicial system must be able to do its job without interference from Congress or threats of violence.”

“The indictment of a former president is a somber day for America,” Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) wrote on Twitter. “It’s also a time to put faith in our judicial system. And Donald Trump deserves every protection provided to him by the Constitution and due process under the rule of Law. ”

Swalwell went on to urge personal restraint in reacting to the news of Trump’s indictment.

“As this case progresses, let us neither celebrate nor destroy. As the former president continues to call for violence in his name, let all of us, as Democrats and Republicans, condemn his efforts to incite. We are better than that and justice benefits all of us,” Swalwell wrote.

Hints of Celebration

Despite their generally respectful mood, some Democrats indulged in a hint of jubilation, and some finger-wagging.

“Grand Jury votes to indict Trump!” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) wrote on Twitter, later adding a more measured response.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) sounded similarly pleased, writing, “SO Trump finally got indicted! I predicted he would and I predicted that Stormy Daniels would get him! Sometimes justice works! #TrumpIndictment.”

“It’s the smallest and longest-awaited bit of comeuppance for tens of millions of Americans, but man, we’ll take it,” said Democratic Strategist Christy Setzer.

“Let us remember that Donald Trump is still under investigation for several other possible crimes, including some that were much more damaging to our national security and our democracy. He must be held accountable for his actions,” said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.).

“This is not a moment to celebrate. This is a terrible moment for the country. But no one is above the law,” Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) posted on Twitter.

The congressman then adopted a more didactic tone, writing, “Those lock-her-up chants that people were chanting like hyenas in a stadium around the country were never funny, perhaps they now understand why.”

Omar moderated her earlier tone in a subsequent string of tweets.

“Make no mistake: the fact that one of the most powerful people in the world was investigated impartially and indicted is testament to the fact that we still live in a nation of laws. And no one is above the law,” Omar wrote, adding this caution:

“Now it is up to all of us, as citizens and elected leaders, to support accountability and to follow the facts where they lead. Political interference in a criminal investigation, up to and including incitement of violence, are hallmarks of democratic decline. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting justice and accountability—regardless of party—for the sake of our democracy.”

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) perhaps summarized the sentiments of her colleagues, writing on Twitter, “Praise God. No one is above the law!”