'Federal police state!' Republicans melt down over Trump indictment

Former President Donald Trump immediately took to the internet to rage against the legal system after he was indicted on Thursday in the classified documents probe.

But he wasn't alone. Republican pundits and politicians also immediately reacted with white-hot fury over the news — many of whom made spurious accusations of President Joe Biden and argued he should be arrested as well.

"Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America," tweeted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). "It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice. House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable."

"I never thought we’d see the day when the U.S. President deputizes the DOJ to arrest his lead rival in the middle of an election," tweeted Trump's presidential rival Vivek Ramaswamy. "Obama shamefully tried to deputize the FBI to infiltrate Trump’s 2016 campaign, but they’re leaving nothing to chance this time around: the federal police state is outright arresting Trump. This is an affront to every citizen: we cannot devolve into a banana republic where the party in power uses police force to arrest its political opponents. It’s hypocritical for the DOJ to selectively prosecute Trump but not Biden." Ramaswamy concluded with a vow to pardon the former president if elected.

"Sitting president indicts leading challenger. Totally normal," tweeted Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) along with a GIF of a line of banana-wielding dancers. "Joe Biden has used his Justice Department to go after parents as 'domestic terrorists,' to spy on Catholic parishes, to terrorize & harass prolife Christians - and tonight to indict his top political opponent, Trump. He has trampled the rule of law to benefit himself. He has led the country into profound danger," tweeted Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO).

GOP pundits, too, flew into a rage.

"I've given up trying to explain to the left why burning the world down to obtain justice is a bad idea," wrote right-wing blogger Erick Erickson. "I'll just say if Biden loses in 2024, he, Hunter, and many others better have lawyers asap. The Rubicon has been crossed. Guilt won't matter. The pain of litigation will."

Right-wing youth group leader Charlie Kirk, meanwhile, had a call to arms for Republican activists.

"Every 'Republican' running for President should suspend their campaign and go to Miami as a show of support," wrote Kirk. "If you don't, you are part of the problem. Either we have an opposition party or we don't. GO to Miami Tuesday, and show solidarty [sic] or we will mark you as part of the oppsition."