(Fwrd Axis) — Republican lawmakers blasted the Justice Department and the Biden administration on Monday night after the FBI searched former President Donald Trump’s Florida home.
After the news broke, Republicans were quick to rally behind Trump, agreeing with his statement that the unprecedented search of a former president’s home was politically motivated and some lawmakers vowed to take revenge if Republicans take control in the midterms.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said in a statement that the Justice Department had reached “an intolerable state of weaponized politicization” and Republicans would conduct an investigation into the department after the midterm elections if the GOP take back the House.
“Attorney General Garland, preserve your documents and clear your calendar,” McCarthy said in a statement.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) blasted the Biden administration for what he called “going after” its political opponents, without providing any evidence to support his stance.
“We need answers NOW,” Scott tweeted. “The FBI must explain what they were doing today and why.”
The @FBI’s raid of Mar-a-Lago is incredibly concerning, especially given the Biden admin’s history of going after parents & other political opponents. This is 3rd World country stuff.
We need answers NOW. The FBI must explain what they were doing today & why.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 9, 2022
Attorney General Garland: preserve your documents and clear your calendar. pic.twitter.com/dStAjnwbAT
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 9, 2022
The New York Times was the first outlet that reported on Monday that the focus of the raid was regarding the National Archives materials that were taken from the White House when Trump left office.
Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel echoed what McCarthy and Scott said, suggesting the move was politically motivated.
“Countless times we have examples of Democrats flouting the law and abusing power with no recourse,” McDaniel said in a statement.
With the midterm elections less than 100 days away, some Republicans feel Monday’s FBI raid electoral implications, both in November and in 2024.
“We’re 100 days away from midterm elections. President Trump is likely going to run again in 2024. No one is above the law. The law must be above politics,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said. “However, launching such an investigation of a former President this close to an election is beyond problematic.”
A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment to FWRD AXIS News about the raid and the White House issued a statement saying they learned of the FBI’s warrant on Trump’s property when it became public.
“We did not have notice of the reported action and would refer you to the Justice Department for any additional information,” a White House official said.
