Trump faces court on historic US day

Donald Trump, the former US president and favorite to be the 2024 Republican nominee, will appear in court on Tuesday and need to be formally indicted, fingerprinted and photographed at a pivotal moment before next year’s presidential election.

Trump was indicted last week, becoming the first US president or former president to face criminal charges, in a case involving an illegal 2016 cash payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. He said he was innocent and had to plead so.

Trump will appear in tightly secured court on Tuesday, with rallies expected for and against a man who has angered opponents and some global allies but is celebrated by many low-income white and conservative Christian voters.

“We need to take back our country and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social profile shortly after arriving in New York from Florida on Monday, urging supporters to donate to his campaign.

The hearing, in which Trump will be in court to hear the allegations, is scheduled for Tuesday at 2:15pm (3:15pm GMT).

Trump’s attorneys objected to the videography, photography and radio coverage, saying it “would exacerbate an already circus-like atmosphere surrounding this case,” eroding dignity and decorum.

Judge Juan Merchan ruled late Monday that five photographers will be allowed before the prosecution hearing begins to take pictures for several minutes before they have to leave, with cameras cleared in the halls of the building.

District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, who led the investigation, will hold an afternoon press conference.

Trump will return to Florida and make remarks from Mar-a-Lago at 8:15pm (11:15am GMT), according to his office.

The specific charges in the indictment by a convened grand jury are expected to be released on Tuesday. Trump and his allies have called the allegations politically motivated.

Yahoo News reported on Monday that Trump faces 34 criminal charges for falsifying financial records. Citing a single source familiar with Tuesday’s court proceedings, Yahoo said none of the charges against Trump were misdemeanors.

PROTESTS AND POPULARITY

Over the weekend, police began erecting barricades near Trump Tower — where Trump traveled to after arriving from Florida on Monday — and the Manhattan Criminal Court Building, with rallies expected at both locations on Tuesday.

The city’s mayor warned potential rioters to behave themselves.

“Our message is clear and simple: pull yourself together. New York City is our home, not a playground for your inappropriate anger,” said Eric Adams.

Asked if he was concerned about the unrest, President Joe Biden, a Democrat who is expected to seek re-election and face a potential rematch with Trump, said, “No, I have faith in the New York Police Department.”

Trump’s lead has widened over rivals in the Republican Party’s presidential race, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday, taken after news that he faced criminal charges.

About 48% of self-styled Republicans want Trump to be their party’s presidential candidate, up from 44% in a March 14-20 poll. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped from 30% to about 19% in second place.

LEGAL ISSUES

The Manhattan grand jury indicting Trump has been hearing evidence for months this year about a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign.

Daniels said she was paid to remain silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump at a Lake Tahoe hotel in 2006. Trump denies having such an affair with her.

An indictment or even a conviction does not legally prevent Trump from running for president.

The Manhattan investigation is just one of several legal challenges Trump faces.

He also faces a separate criminal investigation into an alleged illegal attempt to overturn his loss in the 2020 Georgia election and two investigations by a special prosecutor, including his handling of classified documents after he left office.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.