The former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson recently entered the race to become the Republican candidate for president in 2024.
In a recent interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” he called on former President Donald Trump to step aside and put “the good of the country above his candidacy” due to ongoing investigations surrounding him.
During his interview with ABC News, Hutchinson criticized members of the Republican Party who claim that the Department of Justice has been weaponized against Trump.
Asa Hutchinson calls on his fellow Republicans to “back off” allegations that the DOJ has been "weaponized."
“Let’s get back to being the party of the rule of law, of the justice system supporting law enforcement and the equal application of the law.” https://t.co/re0py9LGb0 pic.twitter.com/gf921PLUWv
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) June 18, 2023
He stated that “let’s back off of these accusations and let’s get back to being the party of the rule of law…and the equal application of law” rather than undermining one of “the greatest justice system and criminal justice system and rule of law in the world today, this side of heaven.”
Additionally, he reminded those listening that even if elected president, Trump has declared he would appoint a special prosecutor to go after Joe Biden’s family- an example which Hutchinson believes is itself weaponizing the Justice Department.
Hutchinson argued that Trump should not run for re-election as it would not be fair either to himself or any other candidates in terms of having multiple investigations going on at once during next year’s election season.
During an announcement in Bentonville, Arkansas where he declared his own candidacy for president in 2024, he said “I stand alone in terms of my experience, my record and my leadership” and expressed confidence that America was ready for new frontiers under his leadership. He added that “we have learned from times of turmoil, uncertainty and division…[America] has always benefited from leaders who challenge us and give us hope.”
The @GOP should clarify that there is no pledge to support a nominee if they are found guilty of espionage or a serious felony.
Donald Trump is the target of an ongoing criminal investigation and he should step aside & put the good of the country above his candidacy.
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) June 8, 2023