Former US President Donald Trump indicted in hush money case
Washington: A New York grand jury has indicted former US President Donald Trump with secretly paying a star during the 2016 US presidential election. However, he has denied all these allegations.
This will be the first time in the history of America that a current or former president will be criminally prosecuted.
The unprecedented indictment comes as Republicans face other legal scrutiny. At the same time, Trump also talked about returning to the White House in the 2024 election. There is talk of Trump surrendering in court in this case. But if they do not surrender, they can also be arrested. The indictment will test the Republican Party which is already divided over whether to support Trump next year.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and accused prosecutors of engaging in a politically motivated “witch hunt” to sabotage his campaign.
What is this case about?
An intense conversation took place within to suppress a shocking revelation ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
This disclosure was about the relationship between Trump and Daniel. It was claimed that Trump and the star, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, were in a relationship in 2006.
A year earlier, in 2005, Trump was married to his current wife Melania Trump. Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to hide the matter.
Earlier in 2016, Cohen arranged for former Playboy model Karen McDougall to pay $150,000 by the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Inquirer, which then broke her story into the dubious practice of journalism known as “catch and kill.”
Cohen pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance law regarding payments. Federal prosecutors say the payment is illegal, amounting to unrestricted aid to Trump’s campaign. But he himself is against Trump.
What are the allegations?
The indictment has not yet been opened, so it is not entirely clear. Some experts have said they believe Trump could be accused of falsifying the trade record, which could be a misdemeanor or crime under New York law. To plead guilty to a felony charge, prosecutors must prove that the record was falsified with the intention of committing or concealing another crime. It’s unclear what prosecutors can charge as a second offence.
What next?
Law enforcement officials have been making security preparations for several days, given the possibility of prosecution and court appearance by the president. Trump was expected to surrender to officials next week, though details were still being worked out.