New Jersey’s Response to Trump’s Indictment
On July 1st, 2021, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office indicted former President Donald Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, and its chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, on charges of tax fraud and grand larceny. The indictment alleges that the Trump Organization and Weisselberg engaged in a scheme to avoid paying taxes on compensation by providing off-the-books perks and benefits to Weisselberg and other executives.
The news of the indictment has sparked reactions across the country, including in New Jersey, where Trump has a significant presence. Here’s a closer look at how New Jersey is responding to the news.
Political Reaction
New Jersey’s political leaders have been quick to weigh in on the indictment. Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, issued a statement saying that “no one is above the law” and that “the allegations against the Trump Organization and its executives are serious and must be fully investigated.” He also called for transparency in the investigation and urged the Trump Organization to cooperate fully with prosecutors.
Senator Bob Menendez, also a Democrat, tweeted that “the indictment of the Trump Organization and its CFO is a reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful or well-connected. The American people deserve accountability and transparency from their leaders.”
Republican leaders in New Jersey have been more muted in their response. State Senator Michael Testa, a Republican, told NJ.com that he had not yet read the indictment and could not comment on it. However, he did say that “if there are any improprieties or illegal activities that have taken place, they should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Business Reaction
New Jersey is home to several Trump-branded properties, including the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster and the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City (which was sold in 2016). The indictment could have an impact on these properties and on the Trump brand more broadly.
Some New Jersey business leaders have expressed concern about the potential fallout from the indictment. Tom Bracken, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, told NJ.com that “anything that happens to the Trump Organization could have a ripple effect on the businesses that bear his name.”
Others, however, have downplayed the potential impact. Jim Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, told NJ.com that “the Trump brand is so strong that I don’t think it will be affected by this.”
Legal Reaction
New Jersey is home to many lawyers and legal experts who are closely following the Trump Organization indictment. Some have expressed skepticism about the strength of the case against the Trump Organization and Weisselberg.
Alan Zegas, a prominent criminal defense attorney based in New Jersey, told NJ.com that “it’s not clear that there’s a crime here.” He noted that the alleged tax fraud scheme was “not uncommon” and that prosecutors would need to prove that the Trump Organization and Weisselberg acted with criminal intent.
Others, however, have praised the indictment as a significant step in holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. Jennifer Rodgers, a former federal prosecutor and lecturer at Columbia Law School, told NJ.com that “this is a really important case because it shows that even people at the highest levels of power can be held accountable for their crimes.”
Conclusion
The Trump Organization indictment has generated significant interest and debate in New Jersey and across the country. While some are skeptical about the strength of the case against the Trump Organization and Weisselberg, others see it as an important step in holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by politicians, business leaders, and legal experts in New Jersey and beyond.
