Indicted! Or as Trump erroneously said it on his social media platform Truth Social, “Indicated.”
After multiple investigations, Donald Trump has become the first U.S. president to become charged with a crime. Last week, a grand jury indicted the 45th president and former Jamaica Estates resident on charges from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office reportedly relating to alleged hush payments to cover up an affair with porn star Stormy Daniels.
On Tuesday April 4, Trump is expected to turn himself in and be arraigned but will most likely be held without bail.
While Trump has been indicted, critics of the 45th president should be wary of the overall usefulness of the charges. If the former president isn’t convicted, the charges will only play to drive out his base both in the primary and general election as it seemingly will fit into Trump’s narrative of political persecution.
Many Trump supporters and political supporters have actually been happy about the indictment, knowing how they will be able to campaign off of the charges heading into the 2024 season.
When the Mueller investigation failed, Trump was bolstered by his supporters and was able to double down on his message of personal political persecution.
Alvin Bragg had a difficult decision in moving forward with the charges. If successful, it will certainly raise his profile to the national stage but if it fails, the case will reek of an over zealous prosecutor.
There are still several other investigations into Trump: ranging from the national level, to the state of Georgia and civil litigation against him in New York State.
