DONALD TRUMP – KEY TAKEAWAY
In New York, Prior to Indictment, a Potential Defendant Has The Opportunity to Testify Before the Grand Jury
“Prosecutors offered Mr. Trump the chance to testify next week before the grand jury that has been hearing evidence in the potential case.”
Former President Donald Trump may soon face criminal charges related to the payment of hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, according to four individuals with knowledge of the case. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has reportedly offered Trump the opportunity to testify before a grand jury that has been hearing evidence in the potential case. The fact that such an offer was made suggests that an indictment may be forthcoming, as it would be unusual for the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, to notify a potential defendant without ultimately seeking charges against them.
The investigation into Trump by the Manhattan DA’s office began over five years ago and centers on a payment of approximately $130,000 made to Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, made the payment but was later reimbursed by Trump. While potential defendants in New York have the right to answer questions in a grand jury before they are indicted, it is uncommon for them to do so. Sources suggest that Trump is likely to decline the offer.
“Such offers almost always indicate an indictment is close; it would be unusual for the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, to notify a potential defendant without ultimately seeking charges against him.”
The Prosecutor Over Donald Trump’s Case, Alvin Bragg
Bragg, who assumed the position of Manhattan District Attorney in January 2022, has a long history of prosecuting high-profile cases. He previously served as chief deputy attorney general for the state of New York and as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, where he worked on cases involving police brutality and public corruption. Bragg has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the 2021 Whitney North Seymour Award for his dedication to public service.
Donald Trump’s Response – Reverse Racism
Donald Trump has accused the prosecutors of conducting a “witch hunt” against him, which he claims began prior to his presidency. He has also referred to Alvin L. Bragg, a Democrat who is Black and serves as the Manhattan District Attorney, as a politically motivated “racist.” Alvin L. Bragg has the potential to be the first prosecutor to bring charges against Donald Trump, but he may not be the only one. The Fulton County District Attorney in Georgia is also investigating whether Trump interfered in the 2020 election, and at the federal level, a special counsel is examining Trump’s actions related to overturning the election results and his handling of classified information.
