Indicting the 76-year-old Republican, who denies all wrongdoing, is likely to upend the current presidential contest, in which Trump is seeking a second term.
It will eternally define the former leader, who survived two impeachments and kept prosecutors at bay on everything from the US Capitol riot to missing sensitive data, only to land in court over a sex scandal involving 44-year-old adult movie actress Stormy Daniels.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office stated that it had contacted Trump’s lawyers Thursday evening to “arrange his surrender” for arraignment in New York and unveil his criminal charges.
CNN stated he might face 30 corporate fraud charges.
Trump called the charge “political persecution and election meddling,” blasting prosecutors and his Democratic opponents and promising that it would hurt his successor, President Joseph Biden.
If indicted, Trump’s attorneys say he would surrender for arraignment and be fingerprinted, photographed, and maybe detained.
DeSantis called the indictment a vendetta to destroy Trump’s 2024 campaign, while Trump’s supporters called it un-American.
Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, said the indictment harmed the country irreparably.
But, lead prosecutor Adam Schiff termed it “a frightening and unique discovery.”
“The indictment and arrest of a former president is unparalleled in American history,” Schiff added. “But so does Trump’s accused unlawful conduct.”
Daniels gracefully accepted the change.
“I have so many messages flooding in that I can’t respond…also don’t want to spill my champagne,” she tweeted, promoting #TeamStormy products.
Thank you to everyone for your support and love! I have so many messages coming in that I can't respond…also don't want to spill my champagne 😜 #Teamstormy merch/autograph orders are pouring in, too! Thank you for that as well but allow a few extra days for shipment.
— Stormy Daniels (@StormyDaniels) March 30, 2023
