Political weaponization of the justice system has become a concerning issue for many Americans, particularly when it comes to former President Donald Trump’s recent indictments in Georgia, Manhattan, and Washington, D.C. Most recently, a grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia handed down fifteen charges including Georgia’s RICO Act, solicitation of violations of oaths by public officers, conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, and conspiracy to commit false statements and writings.
On Tuesday, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld was shocked to hear one of his fellow co-hosts on “The Five”, Harold Ford Jr., suggest that Trump deserves all four of these indictments. Instead, Gutfeld argued that this was a clear and deliberate attempt to “banish an isolated, destroy a political outsider” and that Trump should not be held accountable for such charges. Judge Jeanine Pirro echoed this sentiment, adding the indictments were handed down “It doesn’t take two and a half years to get indicted!”
Though some may argue the indictments against Trump are justified from a legal standpoint, does that make it right? It is important to keep in mind that the timing of these indictments should not be ignored — all four were served after Trump announced his candidacy for the 2020 election. The Manhattan District Attorney charged him with falsifying business records pertaining to a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. The other two were served in relation to storing classified documents in his private Mar-a-Lago residence and for allegedly engaging in conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time democracy has been sacrificed for political gain. However, this specific case raises serious questions and concerns about the implications of weaponizing the justice system, as most Americans are likely to agree that a former President should not be punished for political vendettas. We understand this isn’t a trial, but unless there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump actually did commit a crime, any use of criminal charges are sure to further divide an already divided nation.
Unfortunately, no amount of arguing or debating will solve this issue. It is up to the American people to take a stand and ensure that justice is served, rather than waste time playing political games. We could all use a reminder that one of the founding principles of our democracy is reinforcing a non-partisan justice system. Let us not forget to put that principle into practice.