Weeks ago the world was waiting to see which government agency would be the first to indict Trump—the DOJ, NY’s Attorney General, or DA Alvin Bragg? At the moment—and the indictment could come today as the grand jury reconvenes—Manhattan’s DA has the lead with the Stormy Daniels’ hush money charge.
Such an indictment, which would be the first time a former president would face criminal charges, would not preclude a few of the other possible indictments, particularly on his provocation of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Trump, himself, has stated that his arrest is imminent, mainly for the purpose of arousing his base to protest such an outcome.
While the NYPD is fully on alert with barricades placed in front of the courthouse and other locations, Trump remains sequestered in his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, from which he has promised to surrender if indicted. Despite earlier reports that it was scheduled, the grand jury did not meet on Wednesday, March 22.
According to several reports, there has been little indication that forces are gathering to protest if the indictment comes, though it could be quickly amassed once the announcement is made.
An indictment is not a conviction and would not stop Trump from seeking the 2024 GOP nomination. In fact, such an action could backfire and give fresh incentive for his loyal followers. No rules exist around keeping an individual facing criminal charges from seeking the presidency, even convicted felons have sought the Oval Office.
Even after being indicted, it’s not a done deal for conviction, and Trump’s lawyers are already geared up to defend that possibility.