For the first time ever, a former president is facing criminal charges.
Donald Trump appeared in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to charges involving payments allegedly made to silence claims of marital infidelity.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff represents California’s 30th district and is currently running for Dianne Feinstein’s senate seat. He spoke with “Inside the Issues” host Alex Cohen about the repercussions of the indictment and the importance of no American being above the law.
“A nation of laws has to apply to everyone," he said. "You don't get a pass because you're rich and powerful. You don't get a pass if you're the president or former president of the United States."
During Trump’s arraignment on Tuesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg laid out the indictment, which included 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
As a former prosecutor, Schiff noted the criminal justice system is designed to let the jury decide if a person has committed a crime beyond reasonable doubt.
“The founding fathers never would have subscribed to the idea that the president is above the law," he said. "That would be a very dangerous proposition. So the case should go forward. People should feel free to express themselves peacefully, but we should also let the jury do its will."
Some gatherings have already occurred to protest Trump’s indictment. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene traveled to New York on Tuesday to attend a small, peaceful protest. And last weekend, demonstrators gathered in Huntington Beach, where a scuffle broke out and one person was arrested and at least two were injured.
After serving on the Jan. 6, 2021, House Committee, Schiff said he is deeply familiar with Trump’s ability to incite violence, but hoped that this time would not lead to any further harm or destruction.
“Whether you believe this is the right step or not, we ought to be peaceful in our expression of our opinion about it," said Schiff. "But because the man at the center of it seems to thrive on chaos and disorder, it does continue to be a deep concern for me."
If the former president’s case goes to trial, it is not expected to begin until early 2024. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Despite his disagreements with the former president, Schiff said he doesn’t feel joy that Trump has been indicted.
“When a president of the United States is indicted on criminal charges, it casts a shadow over the office of the presidency,” Schiff said. “I have great reverence for that office, and to see that office brought so low by someone twice impeached once indicted, it’s a sad day for the country.”
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