Rep. Jim Banks backs Trump in wake of ‘flimsy’ indictment: ‘Despicable example of a political persecution’

On July 1st, 2021, Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana released a statement in support of former President Donald Trump, following the indictment of the Trump Organization and its CFO, Allen Weisselberg. Banks called the indictment a "flimsy" and "despicable example of political persecution." The indictment, which includes charges of tax fraud and grand larceny, alleges that Weisselberg and the Trump Organization engaged in a scheme to avoid paying taxes on compensation paid to Weisselberg. The charges are the first to be brought against the Trump Organization since Trump left office in January. Banks, a staunch Trump ally, was quick to defend the former president and his organization. In his statement, he accused the Manhattan District Attorney's office of "weaponizing the justice system" for political gain. "This is a despicable example of political persecution," Banks said. "The Manhattan DA's office has been on a witch hunt against President Trump for years, and this indictment is just the latest attempt to smear his name and damage his reputation." Banks went on to say that the charges against Weisselberg and the Trump Organization were "flimsy" and based on "trivial" offenses. He also accused the DA's office of ignoring more serious crimes committed by other individuals and organizations. "The Manhattan DA's office has turned a blind eye to real crimes committed by powerful people and organizations, while going after President Trump and his associates with a vengeance," Banks said. "This is a clear example of political bias and selective prosecution." Banks' statement is just the latest example of the deep divide between Trump supporters and his critics. While some have praised the indictment as a long-overdue reckoning for Trump and his organization, others have dismissed it as a politically motivated attack. Regardless of one's opinion on the matter, it is clear that the indictment of the Trump Organization and its CFO is a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the former president. As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how both sides continue to react and respond.