What the Weisselberg indictment could mean for Trump

The Trump Organization and CFO Allen Weisselberg pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and tax crimes on Thursday, the latest in the Manhattan D.A.'s criminal probe into the company and its longtime executive. But now that the indictment is on the table, how might Weisselberg, organization executives, and even former President Donald Trump fare as the case progresses?
For one thing, the indictment places Trump himself in "greater criminal jeopardy than ever before," writes Vice News, "and raises the possibility that prosecutors might later seek to expand the case by alleging that more Trump Organization employees were involved in the scheme." The former president denies any wrongdoing.
Weisselberg's future may hinge on his decision to cooperate (or not cooperate) with prosecutors, since, as former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara notes, the CFO's conviction appears likely. And the fact that he was "charged with conspiracy indicates that he faces years, not months, in prison," adds Jens David Ohlin, vice dean of Cornell Law School, per Vice. "Does that mean he will cooperate with New York prosecutors to spare himself?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Legal analyst Daniel Goldman believes such a flip is unlikely, which might actually spare Trump.
But perhaps the prospect of "serious jail time & financial ruin" will convince Weisselberg to break under pressure.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
5 heavy-handed cartoons about ICE and deportation
Cartoons Artists take on international students, the Supreme Court, and more
By The Week US
-
Exploring the three great gardens of Japan
The Week Recommends Beautiful gardens are 'the stuff of Japanese landscape legends'
By The Week UK
-
Is Prince Harry owed protection?
Talking Point The Duke of Sussex claims he has been singled out for 'unjustified and inferior treatment' over decision to withdraw round-the-clock security
By The Week UK
-
El Salvador's CECOT prison becomes Washington's go-to destination
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Republicans and Democrats alike are clamoring for access to the Trump administration's extrajudicial deportation camp — for very different reasons
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Supreme Court takes up Trump birthright appeal
Speed Read The New Jersey Attorney General said a constitutional right like birthright citizenship 'cannot be turned on or off at the whims of a single man'
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Court slams Trump, senator visits Ábrego García
Speed Read The case 'should be shocking not only to judges' but all Americans with an 'intuitive sense of liberty'
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
The anger fueling the Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez barnstorming tour
Talking Points The duo is drawing big anti-Trump crowds in red states
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
Judge threatens Trump team with criminal contempt
Speed Read James Boasberg attempts to hold the White House accountable for disregarding court orders over El Salvador deportation flights
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Why the GOP is nervous about Ken Paxton's Senate run
Today's Big Question A MAGA-establishment battle with John Cornyn will be costly
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
UK-US trade deal: can Keir Starmer trust Donald Trump?
Today's Big Question White House insiders say an agreement is 'two weeks' away but can Britain believe it?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
A running list of Trump's second-term national security controversies
In Depth Several scandals surrounding national security have rocked the Trump administration
By Justin Klawans, The Week US