Trump Arrives in NY to Face Criminal Charges
Former US President Donald Trump has arrived in New York to be arraigned on charges related to his payment of hush money to a pornographic actress during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump, 76, took his Boeing 757 from Mar-a-Lago to New York City on Monday and arrived at La Guardia airport around 3 p.m. EST (12.30 am IST).
His motorcade then proceeded to the Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, where he will spend the evening. The streets surrounding the luxurious Trump Tower have been cordoned off, and there is a heavy police presence in the area.
The former President waved to a large number of his supporters as he exited his SUV and was immediately escorted into the building.
Trump, the first former president of the United States to face criminal charges, will appear before Judge Juan Merchan on Tuesday at 2.15 p.m. EST (11.45 p.m. IST).
Trump’s attorneys have reportedly told the media that the former president will enter a not-guilty plea. Trump will immediately fly back to Florida after his court appearance, where he will deliver evening remarks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach.
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It is expected that the arraignment proceeding will be brief. During the hearing, which will last approximately 10 to 15 minutes, he will be read the indictment’s charges. Trump has denied any wrongdoing about the payments made to 44-year-old Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
The indictment comes at a time when Trump is facing legal obstacles in other possible criminal cases. Trump currently leads all declared and potential candidates for the Republican nomination for president in 2024. However, nothing in U.S. law prohibits a candidate convicted of a crime from campaigning for and serving as president — even from prison.
The House of Representatives impeached Trump on two separate occasions. The Senate acquitted him both times.
Trump and his advisors are using the indictment to rile up his supporters and strengthen his 2024 re-election campaign.
“It’s hard to believe that I will be ARRESTED tomorrow as a result of the most disgraceful witch hunt in our nation’s history,” a Trump Campaign mail titled “Tomorrow, I will be ARRESTED” stated, urging voters to “contribute” to his campaign because the “fate of our Republic” is “on the line.”
In the 24 hours following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s “unprecedented political persecution of the President and blatant interference in the 2024 election against the leading Republican presidential candidate”, Trump’s team claimed he “raised over $4 million”.
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Another email from the Trump campaign stated that November 5, 2024 “will no longer be limited to Election Day alone. It will be our day of vindication. When we triumph, it will be a vindication not only for our movement but also for America “.
President Joe Biden, who was en route to Minnesota, refrained from commenting on the legal battle his predecessor is currently facing. Speaking to reporters in Minneapolis, he expressed confidence that law and order in New York City would be maintained.
He stated, “I have faith in the New York Police Department.”
“The president is committed to serving the American public. This is what he awakens and contemplates daily. We are currently en route to Minnesota, where we will discuss the Invest in America tour “Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton told reporters during an Air Force One gaggle.
In response to a question, Dalton stated, “He is also discussing how they’ve created an ecosystem for the private sector to invest in America.”
Trump expressed confidence last week that he would win “this battle” and the 2024 presidential election.
Trump had previously stated, “When this election is over, I will be president of the United States, you will be vindicated and proud, and the thugs and criminals who are corrupting our justice system will be defeated, discredited, and completely disgraced.”
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