Trump Responds After Being Criminally Charged

Former President Donald Trump has responded to the announcement of criminal charges against him by claiming political persecution and interference in the justice system. The indictment, which was filed under seal by the Manhattan district attorney’s office, alleges that Trump made a $130,000 payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence over an affair she had with him.

According to reports, Trump will be compelled to surrender and face arraignment in the coming days. If found guilty, he will be the first former U.S. president in history to be convicted of criminal charges.

In a statement following the announcement, Trump claimed that the charges were part of a campaign of persecution by Democrats who have been trying to undermine him since before he even took office, citing investigations into alleged ties to Russia and his first impeachment. He also accused the prosecution of election interference.

The allegations come as prosecutors investigate an alleged $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, which could lead to further charges against Trump. Lawyers for the former president claim he was not aware of the payment and denies having an affair with McDougal.

Trump is also facing legal action in relation to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, as well as for his handling of U.S. government records after leaving office.

The lead prosecutors in the case have met with a grand jury who voted for the indictment, with prosecutors filing it later that same day.