Donald Trump indicted in hush-money payment case

On Thursday, former U.S. President Donald Trump was indicted for his alleged involvement in a payment made to an adult film actress. News outlets like The New York Times and ABC News reported that a Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump, which was confirmed by his lawyers. Trump’s lawyers said that he did not commit any crime and that they will fight this in court. Trump responded to the news by saying that it’s political persecution and election interference.

The charges against Trump are not publicly known, and he is said to be the first former U.S. president to be indicted on criminal charges. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office is expected to discuss Trump’s surrender for an arraignment. The charges are related to a hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, before the 2016 presidential election. The payment was made to prevent Daniels from going public about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, paid Daniels and was reimbursed by the Trump Organization, which said it was for legal fees. Cohen pleaded guilty to federal charges, including campaign finance violations. Trump has denied the affair and any wrongdoing, and has called the investigation politically motivated. The case is important because Trump is planning to run for president again. Cohen said that the indictment is just the beginning of the case.

Sources: CGTN