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Donald Trump announced on his social media that he is expected to be arrested on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Although the Manhattan District Attorney has not confirmed whether an arrest will occur, the former President of the United States could face charges and, if so, would be the first president in history to be indicted. So why was Trump arrested?
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and his office are leading the criminal investigation under Trump. “Illegal leaks from a corrupt and highly politicized Manhattan District Attorney’s office … indicate that no guilt is being proven … Far and away the leading Republican candidate and former President of the United States is slated to vote next week.” Will be arrested Tuesday,” Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social on March 19, 2023. He also asked his followers to “protest, take back our country” at the end of his statement.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Trump turned himself in “Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse”, Trump posted on Truth Social before arriving. “Feels so surreal – wow, they’re going to arrest me. Can’t believe this is happening in America. Maga!”
So why was Trump arrested? Read more below to know.
Why was Donald Trump arrested?
Image: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Why was Donald Trump arrested? Donald Trump is arrested Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Manhattan, New York, and will be arraigned on dozens of charges related to hush money payments. This is the first time in US history that a former president has been criminally charged.
On March 21, 2023, Donald Trump claimed that his indictment by the Manhattan District Attorney was imminent without evidence. His representatives later said that he was referring to media reports and leaks. “No one tells us anything which is very disappointing. President Trump is basing his response on press reports,” Joe Tacopina, who represents Trump, said in a statement to CNN. One of Trump’s attorneys Susan Nechels, also told CBS News, “As President Trump says, his post is based on media reports. Because this is a political indictment, the district attorney’s office is releasing all information to the press rather than communicating with President Trump’s lawyers.” Some have engaged in the practice of leaking, as is done in a common case.
What are the allegations against Trump?
Image: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
What are the allegations against Trump? Trump has been accused of falsifying business records, but no charges have yet been filed. Falsifying business records is a misdemeanor. To make it a felony, the defendant needs to make a falsified record with intent to commit or conceal “another crime.” In theory, he could face up to four years in prison because the charge of falsifying business records in the first degree is a low-level felony.
The investigation involves “hush money” payments that were made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleged the former president had an affair with her in 2006, months after his wife Melania Trump gave birth to their son, Barron. Trump’s former lawyer and “fixer” Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 days before the 2016 election. Cohen claimed this was done at the direction of his boss as Daniels was on the verge of going public about an affair she alleges she had with Trump in 2006. In 2018, Cohen was also being investigated for tax evasion and payments to Daniels. As did another woman who claimed to have had sex with Trump.
The former real estate mogul has repeatedly denied having an affair with Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Cohen admitted to helping arrange the payments to Daniels and pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance violations on August 21, 2018. He told federal court that Trump directed him to make the payments. Cohen was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison.
In January 2023, Cohen checked with Bragg’s office. “They’re calling me for the 14th time, so we’ll see what happens,” Cohen said outside a government office building in downtown Manhattan, adding that he has not met with investigators since Bragg took office. . “This is my first meeting with Alvin Bragg.” Later in the month, The New York Times reported that Bragg convened a grand jury to investigate the “hush money” case.
On March 13, 2023, Cohen testified before a grand jury. “It’s not revenge,” Cohen said via CBS News. “I don’t want to see anyone, including Donald Trump, prosecuted, convicted, imprisoned simply because I fundamentally disagree with him. It’s all about accountability. He should be held accountable for his dirty deeds.” However, that same day Trump declined to testify before the grand jury. Joseph Tacopina, who represented Trump, said, “He will not participate in that proceeding – a proceeding that we and most election law experts believe to have absolutely no legal merit.”
Daniels met with investigators from the district attorney’s office on March 15, 2023. Clark Brewster, representing Daniels, said, “Stormy answered questions and agreed to make herself available as a witness or for further questioning.” wrote on Twitter. he thanked his lawyer in a quote Tweet“Thank you to my wonderful attorney (who always pronounces my name correctly 🤣) for helping me in our continued fight for truth and justice.”
Robert Costello, one of Trump’s attorneys who fell out with Cohen as well as his legal counsel, testified on March 20, 2023. According to the Associated Press, Costello’s testimony was expected to give the former president an indirect opportunity to make his case. that he should not face criminal charges, although there were no clear indications that his presence had changed the course of the grand jury investigation. Costello said, “If they want to go after Donald Trump and they have solid evidence, then so be it.” “But Michael Cohen is far from solid evidence.”
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