Former President Donald Trump Could Face Indictment and Appear in Manhattan Courtroom in Hush Money Investigation

New York law enforcement officials are preparing for the possibility that former President Donald Trump could be indicted in the coming weeks and appear in a Manhattan courtroom in an investigation into hush money paid to women who alleged sexual encounters with him.

Four law enforcement officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said authorities are just preparing in case of an indictment. Trump announced on social media Saturday that he anticipates he will be arrested as early as Tuesday in connection with the case, though a spokesperson for the former president said his team has not received any updates from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, which is leading the investigation.

CNN’s John Miller reported Friday that law enforcement agencies in New York have held meetings about how to prepare for security in the event Trump is charged. If Trump is indicted, it would be a historic moment, marking the first time a former US president has been charged with a crime.

The yearslong probe into the hush money scheme involving Trump and adult film star Stormy Daniels may be nearing an end. The investigation has been ongoing since 2018 and is focused on whether Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen violated campaign finance laws by arranging payments to Daniels and another woman to keep them quiet about alleged affairs with Trump.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has not commented on the investigation or the possibility of an indictment. It is unclear if or when Trump will be charged, but law enforcement officials are taking the necessary steps to prepare for the possibility.