A legal storm is brewing in the city that never sleeps. Former US President Donald Trump is expected to plead not guilty to over 30 criminal charges in a New York court today, marking an unprecedented moment in American history.
Trump, who has been holed up at Trump Tower, has been consulting with his legal team ahead of his court appearance. The charges stem from an investigation into hush money payments made to an adult film star during his 2016 campaign for the White House, a scandal that has dogged Trump for years.
New York police are bracing themselves for a possible showdown, ramping up security measures in the hours leading up to Trump’s court appearance. A judge has ruled that phones and laptops cannot be used in court when the former President appears, adding an air of mystery to an already tense situation.
The DA’s office handling the case is no stranger to high-profile defendants, having seen the likes of Mafia boss John Gotti and disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein pass through its doors. But the prospect of a former US president standing trial in its hallowed halls is uncharted territory.
Today at 11 am, Trump is expected to arrive at the Manhattan DA’s office, where he will be taken into custody, read his constitutional rights, and undergo fingerprinting ahead of his afternoon arraignment. Prior to the proceeding, the charges against Trump will be unsealed by New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan.
At 3:30 pm, Bragg will hold a news conference, speaking about the indictment for the first time.
After flying back to Palm Beach, Trump will deliver remarks at Mar-a-Lago at 8:15 pm.
According to reports by Michael Isikoff of Yahoo News, the charges against Trump will allegedly include 34 felony counts of falsification of business records related to the hush payments made to Stormy Daniels.
According to Yahoo News’ Michael Isikoff, who cited “a source who has been briefed on the procedures for the arraignment of the former president,” Trump will not be handcuffed, put in jail, or have a mug shot taken.
Trump’s response to a leaked information of indictment was furious.
“Wow! District Attorney Bragg just illegally LEAKED the various points, and complete information, on the pathetic Indictment against me,” Trump wrote. “I know the reporter and so, unfortunately, does he. This means that he MUST BE IMMEDIATELY INDICTED. Now, if he wants to really clean up his reputation, he will do the honorable thing and, as District Attorney, INDICT HIMSELF. He will go down in Judicial history, and his Trump Hating wife will be, I am sure, very proud of him!”
