In a historic development, former US President Donald Trump has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a hush money scheme prior to the 2016 elections.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office investigated the $130,000 payment made by Trump’s ex-personal attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump has consistently denied having an affair with Daniels.
Reacting to the grand jury decision on Truth Social, Trump described it as an unprecedented attack on the nation. The 76-year-old former president was arrested at the Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday afternoon, after the building was cleared for his arrival. Before entering the courthouse, Trump expressed disbelief at his arrest on social media, calling it “surreal.”
Trump’s legal team requested no cameras be allowed in the courtroom, citing concerns over a “circus-like atmosphere” and potential security risks. They argued that allowing cameras would undermine Trump’s presumption of innocence.
On March 18, following the announcement of his impending arrest, Trump called on his supporters to “protest” and “take back our country.” A number of supporters, including controversial Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene and George Santos, gathered in New York City ahead of his arraignment.
Trump now faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. As this case unfolds, the world watches the first-ever indictment of a US president in American history.