Pa. pols react to Donald Trump’s historic arrest and court appearance

(*This story was updated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 to include new information.)

President Donald Trump was set to appear in a courtroom in lower Manhattan on Tuesday, making him the first American president — current of former — to face criminal charges. Here’s how Pennsylvania politicians reacted to the news of his indictment and court appearance.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-3rd District:

Benjamin Franklin famously said here in #Philadelphia that we have “a republic, if you can keep it.”

Ensuring that no one is above the law – that accountability applies to a former president – is important for keeping our republic and the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/8n3tyOMYWD

— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) April 4, 2023

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District:

This is a somber day for America. An indictment of a former president is neither a cause for celebration nor a call for destruction. It’s a time to place faith in our judicial system and allow it to proceed free from political interference.

— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) March 31, 2023

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:

No person is above the law and all people are innocent until proven guilty as guaranteed by the Constitution. President Trump is no exception. Any protest regarding any indictment should be conducted peacefully and respectful of all state and federal laws.

— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) March 31, 2023

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9th District:

Alvin Bragg-ed about going after Trump and his campaign.

This is proof positive that our Justice System is being politicized by left-wing ideology.

"It is fact that I have sued Trump more than 100 times." ~ Alvin Bragg, Manhattan DA (December 2020) pic.twitter.com/7tUK0gESKY

— Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) March 31, 2023

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-10th District:

Political prosecution of rivals was once reserved for bloodthirsty Soviet dictators and tyrannical banana republics — now it’s fully embraced and celebrated by the radical Left here. Disgraceful.

— RepScottPerry (@RepScottPerry) March 31, 2023

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-12th District:

Good. pic.twitter.com/uN1zdmnlRr

— Congresswoman Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) March 30, 2023

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District:

While New York watches residents flee the state due to violent crime, Alvin Bragg decides to turn a blind eye to attack a former president to score political points.

Like the two previous impeachments, this sham is nothing more than an outrageous abuse of power. Americans are…

— Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) March 30, 2023

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District:

“The indictment of former President Donald Trump by a district attorney who campaigned on putting him in jail truly defines the weaponization of the Justice system. Make no mistake: their goal is not justice. It is to prevent a former President of the United States from running for office again. This latest attempt by the Left to take down Mr. Trump is the height of hypocrisy. As this process plays out, I encourage everyone to remember that each American is innocent until proven guilty.”