Donald Trump has turned himself in to authorities in the Manhattan district attorney’s office for his alleged role in a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The former president of the United States arrived at the district attorney’s office around 1:30 PM, ET, where he was met by both supporters and protesters. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and George Santos were both in attendance.
“Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL,” he posted on Truth social minutes before his arrival. “WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America.” Politico reports that it is unlikely he has his mug shot taken, although he will be fingerprinted. Trump will remain in custody throughout the day until his arraignment. Afterward, he will be free to leave without posting bail.
Donald Trump Heads To His Arraignment
Trump announced on Truth Social that he expected to be arrested in the near future, last month. He's since slammed the merits of the case against him many times. “The Corrupt D.A. has no case. What he does have is a venue where it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to get a Fair Trial (it must be changed!), and a Trump Hating Judge, hand selected by the Soros backed D.A. (he must be changed!). Also has the DOJ working in the D.A.’s Office – Unprecedented!” he wrote in one post.
The indictment against him is still under seal so the exact charges are unknown to the public. However, NBC reports that there are about 30 counts related to document fraud. For Tuesday's arraignment, cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom, although a number of photographers have been given permission to take pictures for a brief period.
The former president reportedly plans to give a speech tonight from Mar-a-Lago after he returns home. The speech is scheduled for 8:15 PM, ET. With the arrest, Trump has become the first former president in U.S. history to be charged with a crime.
[Via]