Trump Returns To New York To Face Criminal Charges

The nation’s largest city beefed up security and issued a warning to potential protesters that it was “not a playground for your misplaced rage” as former US president Donald Trump traveled on Monday from Florida to New York for his historic booking and arraignment on hush money allegations.

Live coverage of Mr. Trump’s motorcade journey from his Mar-a-Lago resort to his red, white, and blue Boeing 757 with his name in gold letters could be seen on American cable television.

He proceeded past clapping and waving banners of support, denouncing the case against him as politically motivated because of payments made during his 2016 campaign.

A third campaign by Mr. Trump to win back the White House he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020 has already begun. A small group of senior campaign advisers and Mr. Trump’s son, Eric, were on board. Eric Trump eagerly posted pictures of the nonstop TV coverage from his seat. US cable networks followed his plane at airports in Florida and New York with video from the air.

In New York, where Mr. Trump established a national reputation in business and entertainment before entering politics, the situation was very different.

Authorities have supported the efforts of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is in charge of the prosecution, and claim that their case against him has nothing to do with politics.

In the indictment, Mr. Trump is accused of several counts of manipulating business records, including at least one felony offense. Six-figure payments made to former Playboy model Karen McDougal and porn performer Stormy Daniels are being investigated.

Years before he entered politics, both claim they had s*xual experiences with the married Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump has denied any misconduct involving payments and denies having s*xual relations with any woman.

With Mr. Trump being the first former president to be charged with a crime, it is a historic chapter in American history.

Mr. Trump published the phrase “WITCH HUNT” on his social media network, repeating a criticism he frequently makes.

Three persons with knowledge of the situation said that on Monday, he strengthened his legal representation by hiring Todd Blanche, a third well-known attorney.

The former president intended to spend Monday night at Trump Tower before turning himself into police on Tuesday to be booked and arraigned.

That was the situation in Washington in the days leading up to a mob of Trump supporters taking over the US Capitol in January 2021, officials have so far not noticed an influx of people moving into the city.

However, they cautioned that it is illegal to possess a weapon in some parts of the city, such as close to courts. On Monday, Trump Tower was open, but it was anticipated that traffic would be backed up due to neighboring street closures, particularly as the former president came and went.

Also, there were plans to increase security. A block from Trump Tower, a small group of supporters unfurled sizable “Trump 2024” flags in opposition to a temporary press enclosure.

Also, the court floor where Mr. Trump will appear in front of a judge as part of his arraignment has been closed off and secured by authorities.