My mind is blown

| 3:00 pm EDT June 12, 2023
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Having thoroughly reviewed the 49-page, 38-count indictment against Donald Trump, I can honestly say that my mind is blown. Documents relating to our national security were openly kept in non-private places at Mar-a-Lago, including on a ballroom stage where functions were held. There is no doubt that Trump broke the law, yet he continues to proclaim his innocence. This indictment contradicts that statement. He and his co-defendant, Walt Nauta, both lied repeatedly about the boxes. The sad thing is that even with these accusations, Republicans continue to defend Trump.

Several Republicans, including Kevin McCarthy, took to Twitter to voice their continued misinterpretations of how the law works. It has nothing to do with Trump. In fact, had anyone other than Trump hoarded classified documents, they would already be in jail. Ask Jack Teixeira, who is already in jail, awaiting trial. Don’t believe the nonsense these people spew. It is for press and attention. Surely, they don’t even believe what they’re saying. Jim Jordan is the most ridiculous of the bunch.

Jordan appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union.” With a completely straight face, Jordan said: “The president of the United States can [de]classify, and he can control access to national security information however he wants. If he wants to store material in a box in a bathroom, in a box on the stage, he can do that.” Does Jordan seriously believe this nonsense? Of course not. Later in the interview, he claimed that Trump “declassified” the material and that it was “protected by the Secret Service.” Then, there are the more normal Republicans.

Mitt Romney took no time coming out publicly to say that Trump “brought these charges upon himself,” Huffington Post reported. Romney, in fact, praised the DOJ and Jack Smith in their handling of the investigation and resulting charges. William Barr, who has been steadily distancing himself from Trump, not only defended Jack Smith but said that if the charges are proven, Trump is screwed. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Bill Barr said: “I was shocked by the degree of sensitivity of these documents and how many there were, … and I think the counts under the Espionage Act that he willfully retained those documents are solid Counts. If even half of it is true, then he’s toast.” We knew Trump was a crook, but this takes the proverbial cake. Most normal people are shocked.

Trump’s followers fervently support him, though no one can understand why. It’s as if they are cult members, and he is their leader. In a sense, they are. The New York Times reported that we are already seeing calls for violence from Trump’s supporters, including failed candidate Kari Lake and Andy Biggs. This kind of talk from elected officials is not acceptable. They can believe Trump all they like, but they cannot rile up his supporters for a repeat of January 6. Let the court do its job; if Trump is innocent, it will be shown in time. If he is guilty-and most of us know he is-he must accept his punishment like every other criminal in this country.