Former President Donald Trump is set to surrender voluntarily at the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building on Tuesday, where he will be escorted by members of the US Secret Service. He will arrive at New York's LaGuardia Airport on his personal plane before spending the night in Trump Tower and then making his way to the courthouse.
Reports suggest that he has been indicted on around 30 charges related to a $130,000 pay-out made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to buy her silence over an alleged affair. His lawyers have already stated that they intend for him to plead not guilty.
Trump's legal team has confirmed that he will not fight extradition from Florida but will instead willingly appear before New York authorities. He expects Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the case, will put a gag order on him as it awaits trial.
Accordingly, Trump plans only a fleeting court appearance and intends returning promptly Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after delivering a prime-time address just hours later. The event is open to media.
No sitting or past president has ever been indicted on any criminal charges, and this case brought by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg is only one of four investigations underway into the twice-impeached former commander-in-chief.
While none of his colleagues has officially commented on his economic agenda during Joe Biden’s Invest in America tour, no politician has thrown their hats into the ring for Republican party's 2024 election hoping instead to cash in on Trump's legal troubles and offer themselves as more moderate alternatives.
Donald Trump currently resides at Mar-a-Lago accompanied by Secret Service agents who are expected escort him from midday EST (16:00 GMT) when he leaves with all protocols appropriate for a former president.