WASHINGTON — “Abuse of office.” “Threat to democracy.” “A stunt.”

That’s how members of the state’s congressional delegation labeled Thursday’s announcement of former President Donald Trump’s indictment.

It is the first time in American history a current or former president has been indicted.

Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on more than 30 charges related to business fraud. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday to be arraigned.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) said it was “nothing more than a political witch hunt.”

“After four years of liberal investigations designed to undermine a democratically elected Trump presidency, New York liberals are continuing the same playbook – trying to find anything to keep Trump out of office,” he said. “This is nothing more than a political witch hunt and an abuse of office by the Manhattan District Attorney.

“We must not stand for the politicization of our nation’s justice system to influence elections.”

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) called the indictment a “threat to our democracy.”

“Indicting a former president is an unprecedented step and it’s a threat to our democracy,” he said. “Stop the witch hunt now.”

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said the district attorney’s action was a “stunt.”

“The politically motivated pursuit of this case against a former president will be seen by a jury for what it truly is: a stunt,” he said. “The prosecutors of New York City should focus on the very real crime crisis that they are facing on a daily basis.

“To use our justice system as a weapon is to tear down the system that we all hold dear.”