Former US President Donald Trump will appear in court in New York today on criminal charges. For the first time in US history, a former president has been officially charged with a crime.
Trump, who has been living at his Florida estate since stepping down as president, flew to New York on Monday.
The case of the former president, who again nominated his candidacy for the 2024 elections, is connected with the payment in 2016 to porn actress Stormy Daniels of 130 thousand dollars for keeping silent about a possible sexual relationship with Trump. The indictment by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office alleges that Trump violated election law by using campaign fund money. Trump and his lawyers deny guilt and the very fact of the crime, calling what is happening "political persecution" of the former Republican president. Democrats deny that it is a political matter.
The court hearing is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. local time (9:15 p.m. Kyiv time). Trump will not be arrested and taken to court in handcuffs because he will appear in court voluntarily. Nevertheless, he will face the standard procedure of identification, fingerprinting and photographing in court.
In court, the charges are expected to be read aloud, after which Trump will be asked if he pleads guilty. He is expected to answer in the negative. After that, Judge Juan Mercan will set a hearing date. Most likely, they will take place no earlier than in a few months. A number of media photographers will be allowed into the courtroom, but video recording is not allowed.
In theory, a judge could order Trump into custody, but that's unlikely. Most likely, as AP notes, he will be released until the next hearing, even without bail. Trump has already announced plans to return to New York on Tuesday evening and address his supporters. The indictment does not hinder his election campaign.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented in New York, and demonstrations by Trump supporters are expected. They themselves declare that they will protest peacefully.
