A grand jury in Manhattan has reportedly voted to indict former President Donald Trump. As a result, Trump will become the first former President of the modern era to face criminal charges. At this time, the former President nor his representatives have issued an official statement regarding the matter.
The indictment levied against former President Donald Trump stems from payments that were reportedly offered to former adult film star Stephanie “Stormy Daniels” Clifford and former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal. Prior to running for President in 2016, Trump had allegedly developed relationships with both women. As Election Day neared in November 2016, the former President was accused of offering payments to both women in exchange for their silence regarding their previous relationships.
Two years after former President Donald Trump was arrested, his former attorney Michael Cohen was convicted of a charge related to a $130,000 payment offered to Clifford. When the payment was allegedly made on behalf of the former President, Cohen was allegedly reimbursed by one of Trump’s companies under a charge that was labeled as “legal fees.” Cohen later argued that his former client authorized the payment to Clifford for the “principal purpose of influencing” the 2016 election.
Trump and his representatives have denied all allegations relating to the criminal charges at hand. However, the former President’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, has said that his client will “follow the normal procedures” if he is asked to turn himself over to the authorities and appear in court.
