NEW YORK : Former US President Donald Trump was indicted on criminal charges, marking a significant moment in the country’s criminal and political system.
Trump walked into a packed Manhattan courtroom where he was hit with 34 criminal counts related to hush money paid to a former porn star during his 2016 election campaign.
The charges include conspiracy and the payment intended to buy silence over an alleged affair. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The indictment has upended the 2024 White House campaign, with Trump’s response to the charges expected to shape the political landscape.
Trump claimed he was a victim of political persecution, energizing his support base and raising millions of dollars for his bid to reclaim the White House. The charges against Trump revolve around the $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just days before Trump’s election win.
Despite the severity of the charges, Republicans have largely rallied around Trump, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calling the indictment un-American. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has been careful not to fuel Trump’s claim of a politically weaponized judicial system, holding back over the indictment of his rival. The situation remains tense, with Trump’s legal troubles continuing to capture the attention of the nation.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)