United States: Former US President Mr. Donald Trump has reportedly been seeking legal counsel at Trump Tower in New York City, as he faces the possibility of criminal charges.
Mr. Trump has been facing an investigation over allegations of paying hush money to a porn star just before the 2016 election with whom he is accused of having sex. However, he has denied any wrongdoing in this regard.
The authorities have implemented additional security measures in anticipation of protests outside the Manhattan court on 4th April 2023. Before travelling from his Florida residence to New York on 3rd April 2023, the Republican posted on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “WITCH HUNT.” The journey received extensive coverage across US news channels, with authorities implementing additional security measures as they anticipate protests outside the Manhattan court on 4th April 2023.
The Lower Manhattan court complex is expected to see a large security presence with dozens of police and court officers, as well as Secret Service agents, set to escort Mr. Trump through the streets of New York to the location. At the hearing scheduled for around 2:15 PM local time, the details of the charges against him will be revealed. Trump’s attorneys have already stated that he will enter a plea of not guilty.
It is anticipated that the former president will first turn himself in at the Manhattan district attorney’s office to face charges. Afterwards, he will be arraigned in court, during which the charges will be read out, and he will enter his plea. The former US president has been the subject of an investigation regarding a $130,000 wire transfer made by his former attorney, Mr. Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Ms. Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
While hush money agreements are not inherently illegal, the Manhattan prosecutor’s investigation has been focused on determining whether any falsification of business records occurred about the payment made as part of the agreement. US media reports indicate that Mr. Trump is facing at least one felony charge, while other sources suggest that there may be as many as 30 counts in his indictment.