Trump In Extramarital Sexual Mess, May Face Criminal Charges

Former United States President Donald Trump was yesterday indicted in relation to a New York investigation into an alleged hush-money payment made to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

After weeks of speculation, a New York grand jury voted to indict Trump, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, making him the first former president to face criminal prosecution in US history.

Trump has already announced plans to seek re-election in 2024, and an indictment would not preclude him from running.

The allegation

In 2016, adult film star Stormy Daniels contacted media outlets offering to sell her account of what she said was an adulterous affair she had with Donald Trump in 2006.

Trump’s team got wind of this, and his lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to Daniels to keep quiet. This is not illegal.
However, when Trump reimbursed Cohen, the record for the payment says it was for legal fees.

Prosecutors say this amounts to Trump falsifying business records, which is a misdemeanour – a criminal offence in New York.
Prosecutors could also potentially allege that this breaks election law, because his attempt to hide his payments to Daniels were motivated by not wanting voters to know he had an affair with her.

Covering up a crime by falsifying records would be a felony, which is a more serious charge.

The office of Manhattan issued a statement saying prosecutors are working with Trump’s lawyers to arrange his surrender.
It also affirmed that, for now, the charges will remain under seal.

“Guidance will be provided when the arraignment [court appearance] date is selected,” the district attorney’s office said through a spokesperson.

Sources in the district attorney’s office have however confirmed that Trump will be arraigned on Tuesday next week.

My indictment is political persecution- Trump

In a statement released through his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump called the indictment “political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history.”

He said the case was part of a coordinated “witch hunt” against him, adding that he is completely innocent.

Trump said earlier this month that he faced potential arrest over the case. He is expected to be fingerprinted and photographed when he surrenders to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York early next week.

Trump also called on his supporters to protest in a fiery social media post that raised concerns about potential violence — especially in light of the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol by a pro-Trump mob.

He also appealed for more money for his legal defence, raising more than $2m since March 18, according to his campaign.