WASHINGTON—Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts released the following statement Monday after reports that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) raided the residences of former President Donald Trump:  

“The raid on Mar-a-Lago represents yet another example of the federal government weaponizing law enforcement to punish political enemies, silence critics, and send a message to those whom it views as enemies. The Biden administration and the D.C. swamp are making it very clear that they will use all the power of the state to intimidate anyone who stands in their way. 

 

“This is an extension of the left’s relentless campaign to drive a wedge between us—those who believe it’s okay to weaponize the state against its citizens, and those of us—the forgotten Americans—who are tired of being treated as second-class citizens. At a time when faith in American institutions is at an all-time low, Biden and his regime only continue to widen the gap, with no hope of return. The flawed ‘leadership’ of Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, and Nancy Pelosi disregards the American people and treat us as pawns in their political games. They will be held accountable.   

 

“The timing is suspect at best given the upcoming elections and the Senate’s passage of a bill that would authorize the hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents who will be unleashed to target working and middle-class Americans in order to fund the left’s radical agenda.  

 

“If they think they can treat a former president this way, imagine what they think they can do to the average American. Such actions could only be justified based on overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing. The FBI needs to immediately explain its reckless actions and Biden needs to answer the question of whether he ordered this raid.  

 

“Enough with the witch hunts. Joe Biden needs to start governing on behalf of the American people, not in the interests of his radical base.”