On Saturday, former President Donald Trump made a social media post suggesting that he will be arrested next week in connection with the investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney. He also called for protests, leading to concerns among law enforcement agencies about how to prepare for a possible indictment. Trump did not provide any reason for his expected arrest, but multiple sources briefed on the matter revealed that he believes an indictment would help him politically. The investigation concerns a yearslong hush money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The indictment of a former President would be a historic first and could quickly change the political conversation around this divisive figure.
Another witness is expected to testify on Monday before the grand jury investigating the hush money payments. However, it is not clear whether this would be the final witness before it votes on a possible indictment. Trump’s legal team has been preparing behind the scenes for the next steps and anticipating that an indictment will happen soon. A spokesperson for Trump said that the former President has not received a notification from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office regarding any potential indictment.
Trump’s call for a protest in response to a potential arrest echoes his final days in office when he repeatedly urged his supporters to reject the results of the 2020 presidential election, culminating in the deadly January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Some of Trump’s advisers had urged him not to call for protests, concerned about the optics of a mass protest in the streets of Manhattan growing out of control or resembling the 2021 insurrection.
Trump’s defense team is expected to be notified following any possible indictment and would then engage in negotiations for surrender and an initial appearance. Trump’s team has said repeatedly that he will not accept an invitation to testify before the grand jury. However, if there is an indictment, he would negotiate an agreed-upon surrender date with the district attorney’s office.
Trump’s team has been planning for various scenarios, including Trump traveling to New York or having a remote hearing where he stays at Mar-a-Lago. Some members of his legal team are advising Trump to ask for a remote appearance for security reasons should an indictment occur. However, it is unclear if he would agree to that as he has also discussed with his team wanting to give a statement at the courthouse.
Law enforcement discussions have been about how to navigate the potential indictment for a criminal charge by a New York county grand jury and the choreography around the possibility of an unprecedented arrest of a former President. Concerns have been raised regarding courthouse security and the potential for demonstrations or rallies outside of the courthouse by Trump supporters or anti-Trump protesters.
