In a historic move, a Manhattan jury has unanimously voted to indict the first former president in US history, Donald Trump. Though the exact charges against him are still unknown, prosecutors have concluded that they can prove a criminal case against him over his alleged involvement in a $130,000 payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.
The indictment comes after years of investigation and legal battles related to Trump's alleged financial improprieties during his presidency. Federal prosecutors for the Southern District of New York had decided not to charge him back in 2019 despite Cohen's testimony. However, Alvin Bragg, who was funded by billionaire far-left extremist donor George Soros during his campaign for district attorney of Manhattan, opted to revive the case and bring charges against Trump.
According to reports from former president’s attorney Joe Tacopina, Donald Trump was "shocked" upon hearing about the indictment through media reports. He and Tacopina were discussing how best to handle it with Secret Service agents.
Trump is accused of providing $130,000 in 2016 to his disgraced former lawyer Michael Cohen who then allegedly passed on the money as hush money to Daniels just days before the presidential election that year. Potential GOP presidential contenders like Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence have focused their reaction on Bragg rather than on Trump himself.
While Michael Cohen is not considered as strong witness for prosecutors due to having pleaded guilty in 2018 for nine felonies resulting in three years imprisonment he may be called upon again when needed.
If convicted or charged while running again for president will make things more difficult legally but this remains unclear at this time. The indictment will also influence other ongoing investigations into possible criminal activity by Trump during his presidency which could lead up additional charges being brought forward against him.
Donald Trump is expected appear before court this Tuesday where he will fight the political prosecution in court.