Former President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny from a Manhattan grand jury over a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels and acknowledged reimbursing his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the payment. Cohen pleaded guilty to a federal campaign finance violation among other charges and was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018.
The grand jury convened by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, who met with Cohen in August 2015 and offered to help to suppress stories about Trump’s alleged extramarital affairs. Trump ’ s ally and lawyer Robert Costello also testified to the grand jury, claiming he had “really stirred up those grand jurors”.
The jury is expected to recess for the next month, pushing any potential indictment of Trump back. Trump had previously claimed he expected to be arrested three days later, and urged his followers to protest. The former president also sparked controversy with a social media post that threatened “death and destruction” if he was charged.
Prosecutors are reportedly considering charges against Trump that include falsifying business records to conceal a violation of the federal campaign finance rules. However, Trump's attorneys have argued that he legally reimbursed Cohen with personal funds.
The grand jury deliberations have stirred up controversy, with 62 percent of Americans believing that the investigation is mainly motivated by politics according to a Quinnipiac poll. Bragg has insisted he does not stoop down to politics and instead is focused on evidence and the law.
As of now, the grand jury is not expected to hear additional evidence this week; however, it is expected to meet on Thursday to consider a different case. The outcome of the investigation is still uncertain and the future of the case remains to be seen.