On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for calmness following the indictment of former President Trump in connection to the $130,000 hush money payment made on his behalf to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 presidential election in exchange for her silence over their alleged affair.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Schumer pointed out that Trump was “subject to the same laws as every American” and that he will get to defend himself through the legal system by using “facts and the law.” He added that there mustn’t be any “outside political influence, intimidation or interference in the case.”
He also encouraged both Trump’s criticism and his supporters should act peacefully and should follow the law following the indictment. This indictment is the first time that a former U.S. President has had to face criminal charges.
Many Democrats have praised the indictment, while others, much like Schumer, have called for patience as they see how the legal case unfolds. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoings and has claimed that this case is politically motivated.
Schumer is one of the few Senate leaders to have already released a statement about the indictment. Both Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the No. 2 Republican, have not yet issued an official statement following the indictment.
