Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Donald Trump, Making Him the First Former US President to Face Criminal Charges
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on charges related to payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign to suppress claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. This marks the first time a former U.S. president has faced criminal charges.
Confirmation of the indictment came on Thursday from Joe Tacopina, a lawyer for Trump, as well as anonymous sources who were not authorized to discuss the sealed criminal charges. The indictment is a significant development following years of investigations into Trump's business, political, and personal dealings. The charges are expected to embolden Trump's supporters, who believe the Republican is being unfairly targeted by a Democratic prosecutor, as well as galvanize his critics, who allege that Trump ascended to power through deceitful means.
Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and criticized the investigation as politically motivated, is expected to surrender to authorities next week, according to another anonymous source. Bringing the charges is a daring move by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is taking up an unusual case that was previously investigated by two separate groups of prosecutors, both of which declined to seek Trump's indictment.
In the weeks leading up to the indictment, Trump used social media to condemn the investigation and encouraged his followers to protest on his behalf. This prompted tighter security around the Manhattan criminal courthouse. As he attempts to regain control of the Republican Party and fend off a multitude of former allies who are seeking or will oppose him for the presidential nomination, Trump faces potential legal dangers.