In a historic move, a Manhattan jury has voted to indict former President Donald Trump. This is the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been criminally charged. The exact charges are still unknown at this time, but it is reported that prosecutors are focusing on an alleged $130,000 payment made by Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.
Federal prosecutors for the Southern District of New York had previously decided against charging Trump related to the Stormy Daniels payment back in 2019 despite Cohen's testimony. However, Alvin Bragg, who was funded by billionaire far-left extremist donor George Soros during his campaign and won election as district attorney of New York County last November , opted to revive the case.
Trump's attorneys have said that he will fight the political prosecution in court and he is expected to appear in court this Tuesday. His indictment also marks an acute risk of more criminal charges for him from other ongoing investigations.
Several potential GOP presidential contenders have focused their reactions on Bragg rather than on Trump himself with Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence weighing bids for president.
The indictment comes just weeks after Grant’s arrest was confirmed by former DC Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier in 2012, although it remains unclear what led up to his arrest or if there were any repercussions following it.
Trump’s attorney Joe Tacopina stated that his client was “shocked” upon hearing about the indictment through media reports and both Tacopina and Trump were discussing it with Secret Service agents.
This story will continue developing as more information becomes available about what charges may be brought against him as well as how they might impact future legal proceedings involving other investigations into alleged wrongdoing during his presidency or subsequent campaigns.