Trump Arraigned by Manhattan Grand Jury
Former President Donald J. Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on March 30. Trump faces 34 felony counts of business-related fraud brought on by the office of Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, highlighted by a 130,000 dollar hush money settlement to adult film star Stormy Daniels. As a result, he became the first former commander-in-chief to be indicted by a grand jury.
On April 3, Trump traveled from his estate at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he has taken residence post-presidency, back to New York, where he faces charges. The following day, April 4, Trump turned himself over to the authorities in Manhattan, but first commented on the ordeal via Truth Social, a platform he chartered in the wake of his removal from Twitter, sharing that the situation “Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”
The case is being presided over by New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who has yet to determine how accessible the courtroom will be to television camera crews. Trump went on to plead not guilty to all 34 counts, and the court will reconvene later, likely not for months according to Kate Christobek of the New York Times.
The action in the courthouse wasn’t the only story in Manhattan on Tuesday. There were also several politically motivated protests occurring around the courthouse at the same time. The pro-Trump side of the protest was led by Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was a guest of the New York Young Republican Club.
According to the Times, she used a megaphone and focused her speech on the positions of her own party, reiterating talking points common amongst Republicans in the modern age. She did face backlash that was ultimately successful; counter-protesters were able to drive Greene away by drowning out her megaphone using loud whistles and other noise-making tools. Estranged Republican Congressman George Santos also reportedly made a short appearance. However, he left after citing that he felt unsafe.
Trump returned to Florida following the arraignment and addressed the nation. The address lasted 21 minutes and predominantly featured Trump criticizing the situation. Trump protested that “this is a persecution, not an investigation.”
These developments come on the heels of Trump’s 2024 campaign, during which the 76-year-old hopes to regain the presidency. It is still unclear what verdict will be reached and how a potential verdict will impact the 2024 presidential elections.