Trump’s 2024 Republican rivals react to indictment: ‘Very serious allegations’

Some candidates, including Mike Pence, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, shift tone from defending ex-president to criticism

When news broke on Thursday that Donald Trump would be indicted for his alleged mishandling of classified documents, most of his Republican presidential primary opponents rushed to his defense, blaming the charges on the weaponization of federal law enforcement", as the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, said.

But several Republican candidates have shifted their tone since the indictment was unsealed on Friday, revealing the full extent of the serious charges Trump faces. Those Republicans' willingness to challenge the former president's claims of political persecution" could mark a new chapter in the 2024 primary fight, although the candidates may have to change their tune if Trump becomes the nominee.