Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) tried to defend Donald Trump with an odd warning that even his critics agreed with ― but it probably wasn’t quite the reaction he was aiming for.
Jordan tweeted:
Remember, if the FBI can do it to a presidential candidate, they can do it to you too.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) June 21, 2023
Trump was indicted on 37 counts related to the classified documents scandal, including charges centered on the alleged mishandling of sensitive information and for obstruction of justice.
Given the nature of those allegations ― and the fact that others accused of similar crimes are routinely prosecuted and sentenced to prison ― Jordan’s critics were quick to point out that the FBI did exactly what it’s supposed to.
And that, they said, is true regardless or whether or not someone is a presidential candidate:
Absolutely correct, Mr. Chairman. Anyone in this country who steals classified documents and then lies repeatedly to the government about returning them will probably get a visit from the FBI. https://t.co/6Fv8haEmBg
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) June 21, 2023
Dear Jim,
Yes, that’s true. No one is above the law. And btw Jim, this tweet makes you sound kind of stupid. You may want to delete it.
Sincerely,
Your Former Congressional Colleague https://t.co/10qDaHnTHl— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) June 22, 2023
Look out! If you too keep top-secret documents about nuclear secrets and refuse for more than a year to return them, even as they spill out of boxes, and hide boxes from investigators, and manipulate your lawyers into lying to authorities–why, you too are at risk! https://t.co/ZRcBB9AQSL
— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) June 22, 2023
I am not worried about me but you need to worry about you
— George Riner (@gpriner) June 21, 2023
If you steal highly sensitive national security documents, show them to people, hide/move them and obstruct attempts to retrieve them, then yes, the FBI will arrest you. https://t.co/7JfEjvCE06
— Reed Galen (@reedgalen) June 21, 2023
Let me fix this:
Remember, if you break the law, they can do it to you.
— Dr. Haidak (JP), Psy.D. 🇺🇸🇮🇱🏳️🌈 (@JHaidak) June 21, 2023
Yes, Gym. If you break the law, law enforcement will seek to prosecute you.
— Andrew C Laufer, Esq (@lauferlaw) June 21, 2023
I don’t remember you saying that in October or 2016 when the FBI investigated Hillary for a second time, finding nothing actionable.
— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) June 21, 2023
True. If you steal top secret documents that belong in a SCIF and store them in the bathroom in your gold-leafed pimp palace and then have your sycophantic valet help you evade a subpoena and obstruct the investigation with you, they can do it to you too. https://t.co/M7NjfrxN5R
— Spiro’s Ghost (@AntiToxicPeople) June 21, 2023
Remember, if you cover up the brutal sexual assaults of college wrestlers you can get elected as a Republican to Congress and even chair a major committee! Bonus if you abet and encourage a violent insurrection! https://t.co/4acYSdFaHY
— Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) June 21, 2023
Remember, if YOU are required to obey the law under penalty of arrest, so are the president and the elected officials of this country.
That is LITERALLY the reason our ancestors broke away from the King of England, formed the United States, and wrote the Constitution. https://t.co/l1oLZKgErX
— Stonekettle (@Stonekettle) June 21, 2023
So the FBI will give you multiple no-harm-no-foul opportunities to return secret national-defense documents that don’t belong to you, and will only prosecute you after you refuse to give them back and then have your lawyer lie in response to a subpoena? https://t.co/3MzGFCH4Sn
— James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) June 22, 2023
For all of you out there storing classified Iran war plans next to your toilet, Jim Jordan warns that the FBI is putting you are on notice! You’re NEXT!
This madness will only stop when NO ONE stores secret war plans next to their toilets. https://t.co/Syhz0O7Ikw
— Garrett M. Graff (@vermontgmg) June 22, 2023
If I keep top secret documents in my house, and refuse to return them after being asked, I hope they do.
— Jim Hattaway🇺🇦 (@JAHattaway) June 21, 2023
So what you’re saying is, if I steal and refuse to give back classified documents I will be indicted? Hmmm, interesting 🤨
— Ben (@Degen_Ben_) June 21, 2023
Yes, if you store classified documents next to a toilet and then refuse to give them back when asked, you, too, can face federal charges. https://t.co/En7hTOZwVB
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 22, 2023
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