Headline RoundupMarch 20th, 2023

Leading Republicans React to Potential Prosecution of Former President Trump

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Leading Republicans are reacting to news from former President Donald Trump that he is facing potential prosecution by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, and that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday.

Reactions: Former Vice President Mike Pence said prosecution of Trump is "not what the American people want to see," and that the case is a political prosecution. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he wants no violence or protests if Trump is arrested or indicted. McCarthy has also asked Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and the House Judiciary Committee to investigate whether federal funds were used to conduct this investigation.

Key Quote: “It just feels like a politically charged prosecution here. And I, for my part, I just feel like it’s just not what the American people want to see,” Pence told ABC News. 

For Context: Prosecutors in New York have been looking into whether Trump made hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, and violated campaign finance laws. A year ago, Daniels lost her case to appeal a lower court decision in her unsuccessful defamation lawsuit against Trump.

How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered Trump's potential arrest and prosecution. Some right-rated sources focused on Republicans who criticized the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Some left-rated sources noted Pence's recent remarks criticizing Trump's actions during the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.

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