WACO, TEXAS - MARCH 25: Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Waco Regional Airport on March 25, 2023 in Waco, Texas. Former U.S. president Donald Trump attended and spoke at his first rally since announcing his 2024 presidential campaign. Today in Waco also marks the 30 year anniversary of the weeks deadly standoff involving Branch Davidians and federal law enforcement. 82 Davidians were killed, and four agents left dead. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY — Thursday, the news of the Trump indictment dropped: A Manhattan grand jury brought criminal charges against Trump after an investigation led by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. The charges — totaling over 30 separate counts — relate to hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 Presidential campaign.
There are a lot of questions, information, and speculation swirling about. And a lot remains unknown. Below is a quick bit of sorted laundry over what we know so far and what’s to come about within the coming few days.
What We Know So Far:
Indictment: A grand jury voted to indict former President Donald Trump, meaning Trump will face criminal charges, facing over 30 counts relating to business fraud.
Charges: Details of the exact charges remain sealed.
Arraignment: Trump will likely be arraigned on Tuesday, April 4th, at which point the criminal charges will become public.
Trial: Trump’s lawyer stated a refusal to take a plea deal and that they will go to trial.
Previous Charges: Former Trump attorney and cover man, Michael Cohen, pled and served a 36-month prison sentence for election fraud related to the Stormy Daniels hush money payment.
Presidential Run: Trump can run for President, although he’s indicted.
What We Don’t Yet Know
Charges: The details of the 30+ charges being brought against Trump.
Trial: The exact timeframe of the trial — although it’s likely to span months.
Investigations: Whether the NY case will be the first to go to trial, given that Trump is under multiple investigations.
Arraignment: Whether Trump will willingly turn himself in on Tuesday.
Gag Order: Whether Trump will be hit with a gag order to avoid his ability to spread messages that incite violence toward his judges.
How Has Trump Reacted?
Trump took to TRUTH SOCIAL and flung a series of posts about the phony nature of the trial, along with insults towards Alvin Bragg and specific judges involved in his case.
There are additional questions about whether Trump’s speech will be restricted if judges choose to issue a gag order. Experts say a gag order might be issued if judges decide that Trump’s words are liable to incite violence or be used to influence the jury.
GOP Comes to Trump’s Defense
Trump’s Truth Social feed continues to share bounteous clips of Republican politicians, attorneys, and other notable figures who’ve rushed to Trump’s defense.
Trump’s account reposted a screenshot of a Tweet from Ted Cruz earlier today:
Many notable MAGA Republicans have taken a hard stance against the idea of any wrongdoing on the part of Donald Trump, calling the indictment a total weaponization of the American Judicial system and an orchestrated hit in an attempt to influence the 2024 election.
Going Forward: What Happens Next in Trump Indictment
There’s worry among the left that if Trump fails to be found guilty, the incident will strengthen Trump’s funding and popularity with the Republican base. However, the strength and scope of charges remain to be seen in such a historic case.
