Donald Trump indicted for hush money payment and cover-up in Stormy Daniels case
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury for his alleged involvement in a hush money payment and cover-up related to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. This is the first time in American history that a current or former President has faced criminal charges. The charges against Trump include more than 30 counts related to business fraud, incitement of the January 6 attack on Congress, his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result in Georgia, and his retention of classified records.
While the charges are not yet publicly known, the indictment has been filed under seal and will be announced in the coming days. In response, Trump issued a statement claiming that the indictment amounted to “political persecution” and sent out fundraising pleas to counter what his campaign called “the darkest chapter in American history.” Trump’s legal team is expected to fight the charges vigorously.
The news is also expected to shake the race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, in which Trump leads most polls. However, nothing in the US Constitution prevents someone from running for President while facing charges, and even a conviction would not bar them from the nation’s highest office. Trump is expected to continue with his 2024 White House campaign despite facing criminal charges.
