Former President Donald Trump is urging Republicans in Congress to "defund" federal law enforcement following his indictment and arrest.
“Republicans in Congress should defund the DOJ and FBI until they come to their senses,” Trump wrote Wednesday (April 5) on his social media platform, per NBC News. “The Democrats have totally weaponized law enforcement in our country and are viciously using this abuse of power to interfere with our already under siege elections!”
Trump's call to defund federal police comes after he was arrested and pleaded not guilty on Tuesday (April 4) to charges of falsifying business records in connection to "hush money" paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Congress must decide whether to fund the government or force a shutdown of federal agencies by September 30. However, it's unclear what consensus the two parties will come to.
House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who has accused the Justice Department and FBI of "politicization" and unfairly targeting conservatives, suggested the Republican-led House follow Trump's directive and limit funding of federal law enforcement.
“We control the power of the purse. We’re going to have to look at the appropriations process and limit funds going to some of these agencies, particularly the ones who are engaged in the most egregious behavior,” Jordan said Sunday (April 2) on Fox News, referring to the DOJ and FBI.
However, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the vice chair and top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, rejected Trump's call.
“Reforms may be needed, but I strongly oppose defunding the FBI and the Department of Justice,” Collins said in a statement.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a Trump ally, previously backed slashing funds for federal police, tweeting “DEFUND THE FBI!” after the former president's Mar-a-Lago residence was searched by the feds last August.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Tommy Garcia shut down the notion on Wednesday.
“Donald Trump joining extreme MAGA House Republicans in attacking law enforcement and government agencies that keep us safe and secure reminds us just how dangerous the Republican Party is. They cannot be trusted with power, or to uphold the rule of law.”
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