Donald Trump Indictment: PA Political Leaders React

PENNSYLVANIA — Former President Donald Trump's indictment on Thursday drew fast - and in some cases, furious - reaction from Pennsylvania elected officials.

A New York City grand jury indicted Trump for his alleged role in the paying of $130,000 in hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has acknowledged that the payment was made, but has denied he and Daniels had an affair.

New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said Thursday it has contacted Trump's attorney to arrange for his arraignment. The specific charges against the former president will remain under seal until the arraignment, expected to occur on Tuesday.

Trump is the first sitting or former president to face criminal charges. He also is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and has vowed to stay in the race despite his current legal woes.

Some members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation wasted little time in reacting to Thursday's legal and political bombshell. Here's what they had to say:

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Philadelphia:

"Today, Trump is starting to see a shred of accountability for his actions. No one is above the law, and Trump must be held responsible."

U.S. Rep. U.S. Rep Guy Reschenthaler, R-Washington County:

"Like the two previous impeachments, this sham is nothing more than an outrageous abuse of power. Americans are tired of these political games from liberal elites and want a system that works to catch criminals, not opponents."

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pittsburgh:

“In America, our judicial system hinges on the idea that every person is subject to the same laws. Donald Trump is an American citizen and he must be subject to the law just like the rest of us. He doesn’t get to be above the law just because he is rich and formerly powerful. That’s what our democracy relies on."

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Luzerne County:

"Alvin Bragg, who ran on indicting (Trump), is living up to his campaign promise. His legacy will now be of an outrageous weaponization of the justice system. This indictment is a sad attempt by a politically-motivated prosecutor to harm Trump's campaign. Legally pathetic!"

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Allegheny County:

"No one is above the law. And just like anyone else charged with serious crimes, Donald Trump deserves due process, a fair trial and all constitutional protections provided to criminal defendants."