Ron DeSantis announced that he would 'end the weaponization of government'
Donald Trump indicted in January 6 probe
Fox News correspondent David Spunt has the latest on special counsel Jack Smith indicting former President Donald Trump in the January 6 probe.
Republican presidential candidate Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida called for law enforcement reform after his opponent, former President Trump, was indicted late Tuesday afternoon.
The Trump campaign told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the former president had been indicted in Special Counsel Jack Smith's probe into the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.
After the announcement, DeSantis announced that he would "end the weaponization of government" and push for law enforcement reforms if elected to the White House.
TRUMP INDICTED ON CHARGES OUT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL PROBE INTO JAN. 6
Republican presidential candidate Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida called for law enforcement reform after his opponent, former President Trump, was indicted late Tuesday afternoon. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
"As President, I will end the weaponization of government, replace the FBI Director, and ensure a single standard of justice for all Americans," DeSantis tweeted on Tuesday.
"While I’ve seen reports, I have not read the indictment. I do, though, believe we need to enact reforms so that Americans have the right to remove cases from Washington, DC to their home districts," he continued. "Washington, DC is a ‘swamp’ and it is unfair to have to stand trial before a jury that is reflective of the swamp mentality."
"One of the reasons our country is in decline is the politicization of the rule of law. No more excuses—I will end the weaponization of the federal government," DeSantis added.
As President, I will end the weaponization of government, replace the FBI Director, and ensure a single standard of justice for all Americans.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) August 1, 2023
While I’ve seen reports, I have not read the indictment. I do, though, believe we need to enact reforms so that Americans have the right…
Trump was indicted Tuesday on charges stemming from Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Fox News Digital has learned.
"This is nothing more than the latest corrupt chapter in the continued pathetic attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their weaponized Department of Justice to interfere with the 2024 Presidential Election, in which President Trump is the undisputed frontrunner, and leading by substantial margins," a Trump campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "But why did they wait two and a half years to bring these fake charges, right in the middle of President Trump’s winning campaign for 2024? Why was it announced the day after the big Crooked Joe Biden scandal broke out from the Halls of Congress?"
"The answer is, election interference!" the spokesperson continued. "The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the former Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes."
"President Trump has always followed the law and the Constitution, with advice from many highly accomplished attorneys," the spokesperson said. "These un-American witch hunts will fail and President Trump will be re-elected to the White House so he can save our Country from the abuse, incompetence, and corruption that is running through the veins of our Country at levels never seen before."
The spokesperson added: "Three years ago we had strong borders, energy independence, no inflation, and a great economy. Today, we are a nation in decline. President Trump will not be deterred by disgraceful and unprecedented political targeting!"
Trump was indicted Tuesday on charges stemming from Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Fox News Digital has learned. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Trump was indicted on four federal charges out of the probe, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.
This is the second federal indictment the former president faces out of Smith’s investigation. Trump, who leads the 2024 GOP presidential primary field, has already pleaded not guilty to 37 counts related to his alleged improper retention of classified records from his presidency.
Those charges include willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and false statements. Trump was charged with an additional three counts as part of a superseding indictment out of that probe last week.
This is the second time in U.S. history that a former president has faced federal criminal charges.
The indictment comes after Trump had announced he received a target letter from the Justice Department, which also asked that he report to the federal grand jury. Trump said he anticipated "an arrest and indictment."
Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman contributed reporting.
Houston Keene is a politics writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to
