Former US President Donald Trump is expected to appear in court next week. The official indictment, for which Trump must appear, will take place on Tuesday. It concerns hush money payments to a porn actress. After calls for protests, New York is gearing up for potential demos — and photographers for handcuffed snaps.
Trump is the first former president in United States history to face criminal charges. The Manhattan district attorney’s office announced charges Thursday night against the Republican, who is running again in the November 2024 election.
Shortly before his election as president in 2016, Trump paid hush money to porn actress Stormy Daniels after she claimed to have had sex with him. Trump denies an affair, but not that money was flowing. Payment may violate campaign finance rules. What exactly Trump is accused of is still unclear. The indictment is still under lock and key, the exact charges will not be made public until they are read.
Trump in handcuffs?
According to various US media, this appointment is scheduled for Tuesday 14:15 local time (20:15 CET) in Manhattan. Trump would have to travel to New York and then be held briefly for fingerprinting and police photos. The suspects are then often handcuffed – whether that will happen in Trump’s case is the question. It is considered certain that the 76-year-old will be able to go home after this procedure.
According to his lawyer Susan Necheles, Trump – who has always denied all charges – will plead “not guilty”. He plans to fly to New York from his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on Monday and spend the night at Trump Tower before facing trial on Tuesday, a source said. Then Trump wants to go back to Florida.
Big stage for protests
As unprecedented as the charges against an ex-president are, so will the images of Trump when he appears in court in New York. It is quite possible that the Republican uses the appearance to portray himself as a victim on the big stage and incite his supporters.
Radical Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has already called for protests. “I’m going to New York on Tuesday,” the ardent Trump supporter tweeted Friday. “We must protest against the unconstitutional witch hunt!” Within the framework of constitutional rights, Trump will be supported and will protest “against tyrants.” “See you Tuesday,” she wrote. Greene is far right in her party, spreads conspiracy theories and regularly hates minorities.
Trump himself had called on his supporters to protest before the indictment was announced. The appeal brought back stark memories of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. There are now fears the indictment could spark renewed violent marches in New York. Following Trump’s calls a few days ago, security around the courthouse in Manhattan was heightened. The unprecedented trial is testing democracy in the United States.
‘Scandalous’ action generates millions
After the indictment was announced, Trump spoke of “political persecution and electoral interference”. Several Republicans also reacted indignantly and called the move outrageous.
The ex-president is also using the charges to collect millions in donations. According to Trump’s campaign team, he has already raised $4 million in donations for his defense within 24 hours. “I’m not afraid of what’s to come,” Trump said Friday.
From a political point of view, his intention to run for president again can only have consequences for a trial and a possible conviction. From a purely legal point of view, Trump could also, in theory, stand as a convicted criminal in the 2024 election, as legal experts point out.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
