Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted on charges of political persecution and election interference, making him the first sitting or former president to face such charges. The Manhattan grand jury voted to indict Trump for unspecified charges related to his alleged involvement in making hush money payments of $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels through his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in the final days of the 2016 elections campaign.
Trump reacted angrily to the news, accusing Democrats of lying, cheating, and stealing. He also targeted Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg for “doing Joe Biden’s dirty work” while failing to prosecute crime in New York. Reactions from politicians have run from cynical to sublime with some criticizing the indictment while others supporting it.
Despite appearing quite frustrated during his first rally for his 2024 presidential campaign in Texas after being indicted, Trump told an NBC News reporter he was not frustrated by the case. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who is largely considered a potential challenger against Trump in the GOP presidential primary said they won't get involved despite repeating Trump's criticism that Bragg is "some Soros DA" trying to put on a "political spectacle."
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed that former President Donald Trump will be arraigned for a state Supreme Court indictment but did not specify when authorities would arrest him.
During arraignment which could happen any time soon now that he has been indicted by a grand jury investigation into whether funds were illegally used as hush money payment involving pornographic actress Stephanie Clifford alias Stormy Daniels prior 2016 General Election Campaign; Mr.Trump will likely undergo normal booking process including mugshot and fingerprinting before being escorted into Manhattan District Attorney’s office surrounded by Secret Service agents wearing suit & tie.
In response to news about his indictment, former President Donald Trump called it "Political Persecution and Election Interference at the highest level in history" and accused Democrats of "weaponizing our justice system to punish a political opponent."