Trump says he expects to be arrested on Tuesday, calls for protests

On Saturday, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that he anticipates being arrested on Tuesday by New York prosecutors who are contemplating charges over a payment made to a porn star. He alleged that he received the information from a “corrupt & highly political Manhattan district attorney’s office” but did not discuss the potential charges on his Truth Social account. Despite not being notified of any arrest, Trump urged his supporters to protest and “take our nation back” in his post.

As Trump vies for the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2024, an investigation is underway by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been probing a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen to porn actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was made during the last days of Trump’s 2016 campaign to prevent Daniels from disclosing an alleged affair with Trump that occurred a decade earlier. Trump, who has denied the affair, has criticized Bragg’s investigation as a witch hunt.

Sources have indicated that Bragg’s office is presenting evidence to a grand jury regarding the payment. On Monday, an additional witness, requested by Trump’s lawyers, is expected to appear before the grand jury. However, a spokesperson for Bragg declined to comment.

Trump has stated that he will continue to campaign, even if he is charged with a crime. If he is indicted, it would be the first time a U.S. president has faced criminal charges, either while in office or afterward. Trump’s assertion that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday is based on reports that Bragg’s office will be meeting with law enforcement to prepare for a possible indictment, according to an anonymous source.

Sources: CGTN