NEW YORK — Former US President Donald Trump is expected to be arrested Tuesday. He writes that on his own social media platform Truth Social. He calls on his supporters to protest.
It is believed to be an investigation into a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. That payment was made several weeks before the 2016 presidential election, reportedly to prevent her from going public about an affair she allegedly had with Trump years earlier. Trump himself denies that.
On Truth Social Saturday, Trump refers to “illegal leaks from a corrupt and highly political Manhattan district attorney’s office” and calls for protest. “The leading Republican nominee and former president of the United States of America will be arrested next Tuesday. Demonstrate, take our nation back.”
Invitation declined
The report has not been confirmed by the public prosecutor, but there is plenty of speculation that an indictment is likely. If indicted, Trump would become the first former president to face criminal charges. It would also jeopardize his bid to become the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, though he has said he will continue his campaign even if indicted.
Daniels met with prosecutors on Wednesday. Her lawyer has stated that she has agreed to make herself available as a witness or for further investigation. Trump was invited to testify earlier this month by Attorney General Alvin Bragg’s team, but he allegedly declined. Legal experts say the invitation is a sign that charges are imminent.
The investigation is one of many legal problems Trump faces as he seeks the Republican nomination for president. In the state of Georgia, a prosecutor is investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to reverse his 2020 election loss in the southern state. There is also a nationwide investigation against Trump into his handling of classified documents and his possible involvement in the attack on the Capitol in early 2021.
