Trump news live updates: N.Y. grand jury weighs indictment for hush money case
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LIVE COVERAGE
Trump repeatedly denied wrongdoing in a case involving a payment that Michael Cohen, his ex-lawyer and fixer, made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, before 2016 elections.
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Here are some facts about a possible Trump Indictment
- New York: Former President Donald Trump faces possible criminal charges for hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star.
- Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney, is looking into whether Trump falsified business records. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, was the key witness who testified before the grand jury. He made the payment for Daniels.
- Trump claims he has not committed any crime. His lawyers argue that he was the victim in extortion. He has been critical about Cohen, Bragg, and Daniels.
- It appears that the legal foundations of this proceeding are far from an open-and shut case. Read more.
10m ago / 1:18 PM UTC
How many times has the Manhattan DA been accused of falsifying business records?
According to internal data, New York’s District Attorney Alvin Bragg assumed this role in 2005. Since then, 117 felony charges have been filed for falsifying business records.
These cases involve 29 individuals and businesses. The New York Times reported the data first.
This context may be important if Trump is actually charged with the payment of hush money to Daniels.
22m ago / 1:06 PM UTC
Trump claims Manhattan DA is searching for another witness’
Trump posted Tuesday on social media that Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney, was “searching yet another witness” against him. He didn’t specify who or what that individual might talk about, nor how he would get that information.
Cohen said to reporters this weekend that he had been asked by the DA to be available Monday as a rebuttal witness in the case of Bob Costello’s testimony Monday.
Cohen stated that he did not need any additional testimony after leaving the courthouse.
The grand jury proceedings are being held behind closed doors. There is intense speculation about when they will vote on any possible charges. A resolution would be further delayed if another witness is present.
22m ago / 1:06 PM UTC
“Reeks of political revenge”: Republicans rally around Trump
Republicans in Congress have rallied behind Trump ahead of an indictment. On Tuesday, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) stated that the case appeared “politically motivated.”
She said, “You know, President Trump before he ran for the first time, and since then has been the subject to so many investigations, such many allegations that it just doesn’t stick to him anymore.” “People either love or hate Trump, and that’s how it is right now. That’s how it will continue, I believe. It doesn’t influence this election, so I don’t think it is.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that he felt it reeks of political revenge. Graham is an ally of the former president.
22m ago / 1:06 PM UTC
What are you waiting for?
Recent developments have revealed that a grand jury in New York may be close to voting on possible Trump charges.
Bragg’s office has not stated that this is the case. This would be against the rules that govern grand juries. However, public signs, comments, and reports point to a possible resolution in the near future.
Trump even encouraged speculation that an imminent action was on the horizon when he announced via social media that he would be arrested. Later, his spokesperson stated that he was not informed by Bragg that this was the case.
A grand jury could vote Wednesday on an indictment. Or not. The indictment could be made public within hours if it does. It could be kept secret or “under seal” for days, weeks or even months.
