The recent criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump has sparked conflicting views among politicians, with some warning of a cycle of revenge for future presidents and others calling for due process.
During a panel discussion on Friday night, comedian Bill Maher expressed his conflicted feelings about the historic indictment, warning that it could lead to future presidents being arrested once they leave office. He urged Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg not to bring charges against Trump, saying it would be a "colossal mistake."
Republican Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears echoed similar sentiments, calling for due process and cautioning Trump's political adversaries not to dance on the grave of their enemy because they may fall in.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' defense of Trump after news broke of his indictment is expected to ease tensions between the Republican rivals. Republicans have largely rallied behind Trump after his indictment by a grand jury in Manhattan in a hush money case.
However, speculation has arisen that Trump’s warnings had accelerated the time frame leading up to his indictment. The former president also faces other legal peril including a Justice Department special counsel investigating his alleged mishandling of classified documents and role in the Jan 6 Capitol riot.
Trump is set to appear in Manhattan court on Tuesday for his arraignment in the hush-money case with legal experts expecting that he will use delaying tactics throughout proceedings as part of an effort to outlast his opponents.
Trump's lawyers are hinting at pushing the judge into investigating proceedings related to this case while they explore various options including filing motions of appeal or dismissing charges entirely or seeking reduction from felony charges to misdemeanors or even relocating trial outside New York City altogether.
As always we'll keep you updated with any developments as soon as we receive them!