Former president, Donald J. Trump was officially indicted on March 30, 2023, for crimes related to the hush-money payments made leading up to the 2016 presidential election involving adult film star, Stormy Daniels, to silence extramarital affair allegations.

The indictment was confirmed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and while the indictment is sealed and specific charges are not yet known, they are connected to the money paid to Daniels. Trump’s attorney was contacted in order to arrange his surrender, and his arraignment is set for Tuesday, April 4, 2023. 

Trump released a statement Thursday afternoon, denying all misconduct and accusing those who have investigated him of being politically motivated.

“This is political prosecution and election interference at the highest level in history,” Trump said during his press statement. “The Democrats have lied, cheated and stolen in their obsession with trying to ‘Get Trump,’ but now they’ve done the unthinkable – indicting a completely innocent person in an act of blatant election interference.” 

Many major political figures have taken to social media to voice their opinions on this matter.

“No one is above the law, and everyone has the right to a trial to prove innocence,” former House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi wrote on Twitter. “Hopefully, the former President will peacefully respect the system, which grants him that right.” 

Trump has stated that this indictment will not inhibit his campaign for the 2024 presidential election. 

“Oh, absolutely, I won’t even think about leaving,” Trump said during a press conference at the Conservative Political Action Conference. “Probably will enhance my numbers, but it’s a very bad thing for America.”

For further information on the process following the indictment, refer to the bottom of this Washington Post article.