What are the Trump criminal charges? New York prosecutor set to indict Donald Trump
The former President could be facing criminal charges in relation to Stormy Daniels ‘hush payment’ ahead of 2016 presidential election.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office has hinted that former President Donald Trump could soon face criminal charges. Trump has been the subject of an investigation regarding payments allegedly made on his behalf to porn star Stormy Daniels to ensure she did not speak publically about a sexual encounter between them.
The New York Times reports that prosecutors have given Trump the chance to testify before a grand jury next week, a step that almost always precedes a criminal charge being brought.
District attorney Alvin L. Bragg is required to give defendants the right to answer questions in the grand jury before a criminal indictment is issued.
Trump has faced countless criminal investigations and inquiries during his life but has never been hit with an actual criminal charge. Bragg would become the first person to do so if a case is brought in New York, which would also be the first ever indictment of a former US president.
What could Trump be charged with?
The Manhattan investigation centres on allegations that hush money was paid on Trump’s behalf to Daniels to aid his successful 2016 presidential campaign. The alleged payment was not cited in his campaign spending log, as per the requirements.
Daniels has claimed that she had a sexual liaison with Trump before the 2016 election and received $130,000 in exchange for not making details of it public. Michael Cohen, formerly Trump’s personal lawyer, was sentenced to three years in prison for arranging payments to Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom are alleged to have had sexual relations with Trump.
In 2018 Cohen pleaded guilty of violating campaign finance laws. It is not clear exactly what charges Manhattan prosecutors will level at Trump, but it could be similar to Cohen’s indictment.
Will Trump appeal before the grand jury?
While New York law states that individuals should be given the right to appear before a grand jury before an indictment is issued, it is very rare that the accused does so. Trump, who has refused to engage with investigations thus far, will almost certainly turn down the offer to testify.
Much more likely, however, is that his legal team could meet privately with prosecutors regarding the impending charges. They may hope to be able to fend off the charges by arguing that there is a low chance of conviction.
The case against Trump is based largely on an untested legal theory that would only amount to a low-level felony if found guilty.