Former United States president Donald Trump is facing his third criminal indictment this year, as federal prosecutors announced charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, accuses Trump of conspiring to defraud the United States by preventing Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory and conspiring to deprive voters of their right to a fair election.

This marks the third criminal case against Trump since March, when he was indicted in New York for falsifying business documents in connection to hush-money payments. In June, he became the first current or former president to face federal charges for allegations at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The indictment has drawn reactions from various political figures.

Former vice president Mike Pence, who served under Trump, stated that "anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be president of the United States." Pence's comments highlight the growing rift between him and his former running mate. The indictment outlines events following the November election, including the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. It suggests that Trump deceived many in the crowd into believing Pence could alter the election results.

U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who defended the Capitol during the attack, expressed his desire for accountability and justice for law enforcement personnel. He acknowledged feeling numb upon hearing the news of the indictment but expressed confidence in the legal system. Dunn's sentiments reflect the sentiments of many law enforcement officers who were present during the Capitol attack.

Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, emphasized the importance of the indictment as a reminder that no one, including a president, is above the law. They believe that the indictment sends a strong message about the consequences of attempting to undermine democracy. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose office was targeted during the Capitol attack, stated that justice must be served according to the facts and the law. She also emphasized that the former president is innocent until proven guilty.

Republican leaders, on the other hand, criticized the indictment as political interference ahead of the 2024 presidential election. They accused the Department of Justice of attempting to distract from news and attack Trump, who remains a leading candidate for the Republican Party. They also pointed to ongoing congressional probes into Hunter Biden's business dealings and criticized a plea agreement for tax evasion. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy described the indictment as an attempt to target the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, while House Majority Leader Steve Scalise called it an abuse of power. Republican Senator Ted Budd accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the justice system against Trump.

The range of reactions from both sides of the political spectrum reflects the deep political divisions in the United States. As the legal process unfolds, the case will be closely watched to see how justice is served and whether it will impact the 2024 presidential election. The indictment against Trump marks a significant moment in American political history, as a former president faces serious criminal charges related to his actions in office. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of American democracy and the accountability of its leaders.