Manhattan grand jury votes to indict former President Donald Trump
A grand jury impaneled by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg voted to indict Donald Trump on Thursday, marking the first time in American history that a former president has been charged with a crime. The exact nature of the charges against Trump has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
News of the indictment comes after weeks of speculation over Bragg's investigation into alleged hush-money payments from Trump to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign to hide their sexual affair. Trump himself prematurely predicted Thursday's indictment on his Truth Social account in mid-March, urging followers to "PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!" and setting off an intense round of political posturing ahead of Bragg's ultimate decision.
On Thursday evening, Trump's lawyer, Susan R. Necheles, said her client is expected to turn himself in on Tuesday for arraignment in Manhattan. Trump has reportedly told advisers that he wants to be handcuffed publicly as part of his arrest in order to create a "spectacle" that would help garner sympathy and support from the public.
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.
While Thursday's indictment is itself a historical first for the nation, it is not the only legal peril Trump faces as he embarks on his third presidential campaign. He is also being investigated in Fulton County, Georgia, by District Attorney Fanni Willis, over his alleged attempts to subvert that state's 2020 election results. Federal prosecutors led by special counsel Jack Smith are also investigating Trump for both his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, and alleged mishandling of classified documents recovered at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida once he'd left the White House.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is made available.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
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
Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others.
-
The government's growing concern over a potential US Steel takeover
In the Spotlight Japan's largest steelmaker, Nippon Steel, is attempting to buy the company
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Finger-prickin' good: Are simpler blood tests seeing new life years after Theranos' demise?
Today's Big Question One Texas company is working to bring these tests back into the mainstream
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Cop benched after NFL star handcuffed in traffic stop
Speed Read A Miami-Dade police officer detained Dolphins star Tyreek Hill before the game
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
When families cross the aisle against presidential candidates
In The Spotlight Tim Walz's cousins, Donald Trump's niece and nephew, RFK Jr.'s siblings: When it comes to running for office, blood is not necessarily thicker than water
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'The Gish Gallop will certainly play a major role'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Will Kamala Harris give YIMBYs a voice in the White House?
Today's Big Question And can federal officials do anything about local housing rules?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
DOJ charges 2 Russians for funding US far-right media
Speed Read Russia is running disinformation campaigns to influence US politics ahead of the 2024 election, officials say
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Battleground states to watch in the 2024 election
In Depth These seven states could end up deciding who wins the White House this year
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Americans have friends. We just never really see them'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Is post-election violence inevitable, win or lose?
Today's Big Question As Election Day draws near so does the prospect of a violent response, no matter the eventual outcome
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published