Prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney’s office have signaled to Donald J. Trump’s lawyers that the DA plans to file criminal charges against the former president for his role in the payment of hush money to a porn star, The New York Times reports, citing four people with knowledge of the case.
The prosecutors offered Trump the chance to testify next week before the grand jury that has been hearing evidence in the potential case. He could give his testimony, if he wishes, as soon as next week, the sources said.
Such offers, according to the newspaper, “almost always” signify that prosecutors are gearing up for an indictment.
The Manhattan inquiry has involved the questioning of at least six other people before the grand jury, including most recently Hope Hicks, a one-time senior aide to Trump.
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If District Attorney Alvin Bragg ultimately chooses to indict Trump, it will be the first criminal charges Trump has ever faced The Times noted.
Trump is also facing a potential indictment from Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney over his efforts to overturn his election loss in the state by pressuring Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find enough votes to help him overcome President Biden’s lead.
Any indictment against Trump could derail his campaign to get back into the White House in 2024.
