One of former President Donald Trump’s major allies in Congress is breaking with Trump’s call for protests amid speculation he may be arrested.
In a tweet after the call for protests, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) wrote, “We don’t need to protest about the Communists Democrat’s planning to arrest Pres Trump and the political weaponization of our government and election interference.”
“These idiots are sealing their own fate in 2024 because the silent majority has two feelings right now about the current regime,” she continued, adding, “Fear and anger. That is the most powerful combination when election time comes.”
We don’t need to protest about the Communists Democrat’s planning to arrest Pres Trump and the political weaponization of our government and election interference.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene?? (@RepMTG) March 18, 2023
These idiots are sealing their own fate in 2024 because the silent majority has two feelings right now about the… https://t.co/LQJbh559bT
Earlier on Saturday, Trump predicted in a post on Truth Social he would be arrested on Tuesday on charges stemming from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation into hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
“PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” he added.
The post came after it was reported law enforcement and security agencies were preparing for an indictment as early as this week.
However, a Trump spokesperson said in a statement there is no evidence Bragg “has decided to take his Witch-Hunt to the next level. President Trump is rightfully highlighting his innocence and the weaponization of our injustice system. He will be in Texas next weekend for a giant rally.”
In the absence of information about Bragg’s investigation and what the charges in a potential indictment would be, conservative commentators have speculated the charge would be related to falsifying business records, which is typically a misdemeanor offense.
They also note the alleged crime occurred roughly seven years ago.
While no one is above the law in this country, moving forward with the first indictment of a former president on what could be a misdemeanor charge seems like a severe misstep and could undermine faith in the justice system. One would hope Bragg had a more serious charge to bring if his office does take the unprecedented step of indicting Trump.
However, just because the charges seem frivolous does not mean Trump supporters should be taking to the streets to protest.
Our legal system is not supposed to be influenced by public opinion, no matter how rich, influential, or famous the figure facing charges is. Yes, Americans have the right to protest and make their voices heard, but in the criminal justice system, the only issues that should matter are the facts and the evidence.
If Trump is charged and found not guilty, protesting the charges and trial could open the process up to claims a jury in New York City acquitted him because they were afraid of violence — which would not be good for faith in the justice system.
There is a way to express outrage at what appear to be politically motivated charges. And it can be done without jumping on Trump’s side and defending his behavior.
However, whipping people up by attacking potential charges as part of a witch-hunt before they are even revealed and encouraging people to protest and “take our nation back” is not a recipe for a peaceful outcome.
Not to mention there are fewer things Democrats would love to see than conservatives protesting the indictment of a presidential candidate and rallying around him.
Even the congresswoman who vaguely called for a “national divorce” recognizes calling for protests may not be the best idea — which should tell you a lot.
