Trump indictment sparks social media storm from lawmakers, influencers, media types in both parties

While Donald Trump was arraigned in Manhattan criminal court Tuesday, lawmakers and public figures responded on social media, with posts defending and condemning the 45th president. 

Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who has said a subpoena for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not off the table, posted two tweets saying Trump is facing political persecution for being a Republican and for wanting to make another White House run. 

The Twitter account for the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee also posted a video of Trump, from his Oval Office days, with the caption: "Real America has his back." 

Rep. Elise Stefanik, chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, tweeted, "I stand with President Trump," as did former Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, urged the nation to "pray." 

Filmmaker and commentator Dinesh D'Souza – who was pardoned by Trump has also claimed political persecution.

"We shall overcome! #Trump," he posted on social media, with a picture of the former commander-in-chief raising his fist in the air in solidarity with the crowd. 

New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among the most progressive members of her political party, accused Greene of "shameless bigotry" for her support of Trump. 

"The Blaze" founder Glenn Beck argued about the hypocrisy of the indictment by listing high-profile liberals and Democrats who he thinks have escaped accountability or were allowed to slide, including Hillary Clinton and Hunter Biden. 

Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley simply retweeted a post stating Trump had been placed under arrest with the word "travesty," while Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz wished Trump "Godspeed," adding that he thinks the former president done nothing wrong. 

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer weighed in on Trump as well, saying the former president would receive a "fair trial" and that any protests should be peaceful.

This drew a response from Twitter CEO Elon Musk who said the double standard regarding persecution of Republicans is hurting the public trust. 

Noticeably silent in the hours during and after the arraignment were the Twitter accounts of former Democrat House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis.

You can follow Nick on Twitter @NGivasDC