Local and federal authorities are preparing for an unprecedented scenario: a potential indictment of Donald Trump, according to NBC. New York prosecutors investigating the American billionaire heard former porn star Stormy Daniels on Wednesday, as part of their investigations to decide on a charge against the ex-president suspected of having paid him bribes. wine to keep her quiet just before the 2016 election, according to the actress’ lawyer.
This case could lead Donald Trump, 76, also targeted in other court cases, to become the first former American president to be criminally charged. This could complicate his race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
On Friday, one of Donald Trump’s lawyers, Joseph Tacopina, assured that the former White House tenant would surrender to authorities if charged. To complicate the political deal, it is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, seen as a potential opponent of Donald Trump in the upcoming Republican primary, who should decide whether to authorize his extradition from Florida to New State. York to have the charges formally served on him in court.
A silence bought for 130,000 dollars before the election
Stormy Daniels’ attorney, Clark Brewster, tweeted that his client met with prosecutors at the request of the Manhattan prosecutor’s office. “Stormy answered questions and agreed to make himself available as a witness or for further investigations if needed,” he said.
The actress, who claims to have had an affair with Donald Trump, then thanked her lawyer in a tweet for his support and “our continuing fight for truth and justice”. The investigation focuses on the payment in 2016 of $ 130,000 by Michael Cohen, Mr. Trump’s personal lawyer, to Stormy Daniels – Stephanie Clifford of his real name – to buy his silence on this alleged relationship. The payment took place two weeks before the presidential election, won by the Republican against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
The affair broke out in 2018 when Stormy Daniels claimed to have had sex with Donald Trump a dozen years ago. Michael Cohen, who has become one of Mr. Trump’s worst enemies, testified on Monday before a grand jury in the investigation related to a non-disclosure agreement.
The former lawyer had been sentenced, after pleading guilty, to three years in prison in particular for having orchestrated this payment in violation of the laws on the financing of electoral campaigns. He assured that he acted at the express request of the Republican candidate, who would have reimbursed him once he arrived at the White House.
Donald Trump has denied any connection with Stormy Daniels. He himself was asked to testify before the grand jury, reported earlier this month the New York Times and the washington post, but is expected to refuse according to estimates. This invitation is a possible sign of the willingness of prosecutors to prosecute him. According to New York TimesDonald Trump could be charged with a misdemeanor of misrepresentation accounting to conceal the payment to Stormy Daniels.
Georgia Election Inquiry
These charges could become heavier and become criminal if the prosecutors consider that the offense was intended to hide a violation of the rules of the financing of the electoral campaigns, had also explained the Times.
Donald Trump is targeted in other cases, including his role in the assault on the Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021, as well as the management of his presidential archives.
In Georgia (South), a prosecutor is investigating his efforts with his allies to change the results of the lost presidential election in 2020 and a grand jury has recommended a series of indictments.