Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon following his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury, the first ever criminal case against a sitting or former U.S. president. However, according to his legal team, Trump will not be handcuffed when he surrenders to authorities.
The unprecedented court appearance, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. local time (19:15 GMT), will take place under tight security, involving coordination between the FBI, NYPD, Secret Service, and New York court officers. Trump is expected to fly from Florida on Monday aboard his private plane, and hand himself in on Tuesday.
The indictment is linked to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Though the official charges remain sealed, multiple U.S. media outlets report that Trump faces over 30 counts of business fraud. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
No Shackles, But Tight Security
Trump’s lawyer Joe Tacopina told U.S. media outlets that while the former president will appear in court, he will not be restrained.
“The president will not be handcuffed,” Tacopina stated. “He is not a flight risk, and security will be exceptionally tight.”
Officials say streets around the Manhattan courthouse will be closed, and barricades have already been erected in anticipation of crowds and protests.
Law enforcement is preparing for scenarios involving potential threats to the former president, legal personnel, and members of the public. The Manhattan DA’s office has reportedly received multiple threats since the indictment was announced.
A Divisive Case with National Implications
The charges center around Trump’s reimbursement to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who paid Stormy Daniels to stay silent about an alleged affair.
Prosecutors say the reimbursements were falsely recorded as legal fees, possibly to conceal campaign-related misconduct, a potential violation of New York state law.
While falsifying business records is typically a misdemeanor, prosecutors argue it was done to cover up another crime, which would elevate the offense to a felony.
A Politically Charged Legal Battle
Trump and his allies have denounced the indictment as politically motivated. On Friday, Trump launched verbal attacks on the judge assigned to the case, while House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accused the Manhattan DA of trying to influence the 2024 presidential election.
“He’s being pursued by a prosecutor who obviously has very different political views than the president,” said Tacopina. “He’s upset and angry. He is being politically persecuted.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg defended the charges, stating they were brought forward by “citizens of New York performing their civic duty.”
Nationwide Protests Anticipated
The U.S. Capitol Police have announced plans to bolster security around the Capitol in anticipation of nationwide protests. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for demonstrations and said she will be in New York to show support for Trump.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden declined to comment on the matter during a press engagement on Friday.
As the world watches, Tuesday’s arraignment could mark a turning point in American political and legal history, one that is sure to spark further legal battles, political tensions, and public debate.
