Donald Trump Indicted: Texas lawmakers react to indictment

Former president Donald Trump was indicted by a New York grand jury Thursday, FOX News confirms.

It is the first criminal case ever brought against a former U.S. president and an extraordinary development after years of investigations into his business, political and personal dealings.

"This is probably the most legally pathetic case that we've seen," said Trump attorney Alina Habba. "He is the leading candidate, as we know. And when people are afraid of people being successful and fixing the mess, they come after you."

Trump's indictment comes as he ramps up his 2024 re-election campaign. He does so facing multiple, separate legal issues.

In a statement, Trump reacted to the indictment saying: "this is political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history."

David Coale is an expert on constitutional law who's not involved in the case.

"We've just never had this happen before to have a former chief executive of the country face criminal charges," he said. "And not just that, but charges related to the campaign by which he sought the presidency."

Trump's attorneys say they're now coordinating with authorities to determine when and how the former president will turn himself in and be arraigned in court. It's expected to happen sometime next week. By then, we'll know more about exactly what the former president is charged with.

Already, his team and fellow Republicans say it's political.

Greg Abbott

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted Thursday, "Weaponization of our courts for political grievances is an abhorrent abuse of power." 

READ MORE: Why was Trump indicted? What to expect in New York hush money case

Ted Cruz

Trump's former political rival Sen. Ted Cruz, weighed in, saying that "The Democratic Party's hatred for Donald Trump knows no bounds."

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton weighed in, claiming the Trump indictment is an "abuse of power."

Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Freshman congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) tweeted that "no one is above the law, not even a former president."

Rep. Dan Crenshaw

Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-Kingwood) called the indictment "unprecedented."

Rep. August Pfluger

Congressman August Pfluger (R-Midland) called the indictment against Trump a "joke."