Following a lengthy probe into Trump’s alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, a grand jury in New York has decided to indict the former president. This ruling sends the courts into uncharted legal territory, as it is the first time an ex-president of the United States has ever been charged with a crime.
What exactly is this lawsuit about?
The investigation into Donald Trump was initiated by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and focused on an alleged $130,000 payment to Daniels through Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen. Actress Stormy Daniels claims that Trump paid her to keep quiet about a sexual experience they allegedly had many years ago.
The DA’s office claims that Trump allegedly falsified business records when he subsequently reimbursed Cohen in numerous payments disguised as legal expenses.
What exactly are the counts?
Trump’s indictment remains under seal in New York, and city officials have not yet detailed the allegations against him. According to CNN, he is being investigated on “more than 30 counts related to business fraud.” The network based this information on their conversations with two anonymous sources.
Under New York law, forging corporate documents carries either a misdemeanor or a criminal charge. Trump’s conviction on a felony count would require prosecutors to prove he knowingly falsified documents to conceal another crime.
What did Donald Trump do?
In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, the ex-president strongly denied the claims made against him and called the indictment an act of “political persecution” and “purely malicious intent” on the part of prosecutors. Trump has said he “cannot get a fair trial in New York,” and his attorney, Joe Tacopina, has promised to “vigorously fight” the charges. Trump has previously urged his followers to protest any charges.
Could Trump still make a presidential bid?
Given the unique circumstances, it is unclear how a criminal indictment would impact Trump’s prospects of being elected president again in 2024. Even if he is found guilty of all the charges against him, he could still compete for president. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has promised to investigate the New York DA’s office after hearing criticism from some of his Republican friends.
The next step:
Trump’s attorney has said that their client has been summoned to appear in New York for sentencing on Tuesday, so he will likely turn himself in at that time. Trump’s current home state of Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has said he will not comply with any extradition procedures, despite prosecutors in New York’s indications that they expect to take him into custody sooner.
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