Trump hit with 34 felony counts of falsifying New York state business records

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4, 2023, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4, 2023, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

South Dakota politicians react

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, issued this written statement after Trump’s court appearance:

“Regardless of your political position or perspective, this prosecution should concern everyone. The integrity of our justice system has been called into question because of a politically-motivated district attorney who is bringing charges that the Department of Justice declined to prosecute. The indictment includes 34 counts of falsifying business records for allegations of activity that occurred more than six years ago. Despite the fact these charges are normally misdemeanor charges, the district attorney, in his indictment, is attempting to bootstrap multiple underlying crimes in order to elevate these charges to a felony level. While everyone, including the former president, is subject to the laws of this country, no one should be singled out for political purposes. Unfortunately, this soap opera of a prosecution appears to be just that.”

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem said this in a tweet:

“A majority of Americans believe that this prosecution of President Trump is political. So do I. Murders and other major crimes have skyrocketed in NYC since Alvin Bragg took office. He should focus on his job: keeping people safe. He needs to get his priorities straight.”

 

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Jacob Fischler
Jacob Fischler

Jacob covers federal policy as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.

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Ashley Murray
Ashley Murray

Ashley Murray covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include domestic policy and appropriations.

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Jennifer Shutt
Jennifer Shutt

Jennifer covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include congressional policy, politics and legal challenges with a focus on health care, unemployment, housing and aid to families.

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