OMG it actually happened! A Manhattan grand jury voted on Thursday to indict Donald Trump for his role in paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election, per a bombshell new report from the NY Times!
According to the outlet, prosecutors were seen heading into the grand jury room with the criminal statutes ready to read — something necessary before the jury can make the final decision. After three hours, the prosecutors entered the court clerk’s office through a back door to file the charge — or charges.
DA Alvin Bragg‘s office has yet to announce the indictment. The charges are not clear yet, but the Times does report this is a felony indictment. This marks the first time a former US president has ever been charged with a crime at all. You can read a more in-depth discussion of the hush money payment HERE.
Trump’s former lawyer/fixer Michael Cohen, who of course already served time in prison for his role in the crime — and cooperated with the DA throughout this investigation — released the following statement about his former boss’ history-making charges:
“For the first time in our Country’s history, a President (current or former) of the United States has been indicted. I take no pride in issuing this statement and wish to also remind everyone of the presumption of innocence; as provided by the due process clause. However, I do take solace in validating the adage that no one is above the law; not even a former President. Today’s indictment is not the end of this chapter; but rather, just the beginning. Now that the charges have been filed, it is better for the case to let the indictment speak for itself. The two things I wish to say at this time is that accountability matters and I stand by my testimony and the evidence I have provided to DANY.”
According to aides, Trump is at Mar-a-Lago right now. His fantasy of being given a “perp walk” in handcuffs — which he already used for fundraising once — has been thoroughly debunked. As previously noted by experts, Trump will likely not be arrested at all — but rather given the option of negotiating a legal surrender. You know, rich people stuff. He also previously maintained he would still run for president in 2024 even if convicted of a felony — something which, surprisingly, is not against the rules.
What will come of this? Will Trump actually go to prison as his underling did? We’ll have to wait and see. But just the fact he’s actually facing some consequences for something speaks well of our criminal justice system.
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