New York grand jury votes to indict Donald Trump
A Manhattan grand jury has voted to indict Donald Trump on charges involving payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter, his lawyers said Thursday, producing the first criminal case against a former U.S. president and a jolt to Trump’s bid to retake the White House.
Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly attacked the investigation, called the indictment “political persecution” and predicted it would damage Democrats in 2024.
The indictment is an extraordinary development after years of investigations into his business, political and personal dealings. It is likely to galvanize critics who say Trump lied and cheated his way to the top and embolden supporters who feel the Republican is being unfairly targeted by a Democratic prosecutor.
In a statement, his lawyers, Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina, said: “He did not commit any crime. We will vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.”
The district attorney’s investigation centered on money paid to porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, whom he feared would go public with claims that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him.
Trump was expected to surrender to authorities next week, though the details were still being worked out, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss a matter that remained under seal.
In bringing the charges, the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, is embracing an unusual case that had been investigated by two previous sets of prosecutors, both of which declined to take the politically explosive step of seeking Trump’s indictment.
In the weeks leading up to the indictment, Trump railed about the investigation on social media and urged supporters to protest on his behalf, prompting tighter security around the Manhattan criminal courthouse.
Trump faces other potential legal perils as he seeks to reassert control of the Republican Party and stave off a slew of one-time allies who are seeking or are likely to oppose him for the presidential nomination.
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
A woman holds up a poster as part of a protest in front of the courthouse ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezA woman holds up a poster as part of a protest in front of the courthouse ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
A supporter of former President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. The man visited to show his support for the former president and his opposition of District Attorney Alvin Bragg's attempt to have Trump indicted. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonA supporter of former President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. The man visited to show his support for the former president and his opposition of District Attorney Alvin Bragg's attempt to have Trump indicted. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
A supporter of former President Donald Trump unfurls a flag outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyA supporter of former President Donald Trump unfurls a flag outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
New York State Court police keep an eye as people protest in front of the courthouse ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezNew York State Court police keep an eye as people protest in front of the courthouse ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
Enzo Alcindor, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, sits on his vehicle with flags outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyEnzo Alcindor, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, sits on his vehicle with flags outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
Paula Magnuson, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, walks with her dogs outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyPaula Magnuson, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, walks with her dogs outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
Bob Fertik, of New York, stands in front of the New York Criminal Courts building carrying a sign supporting the possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump, on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonBob Fertik, of New York, stands in front of the New York Criminal Courts building carrying a sign supporting the possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump, on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
Stephanie Lu, of New York, stands in front of the New York Criminal Courts building criticizing New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg and a possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump, on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezStephanie Lu, of New York, stands in front of the New York Criminal Courts building criticizing New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg and a possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump, on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
Supporters of former President Donald Trump's protest in front of the New York Criminal Courts building on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. A New York grand jury has heard from what could be the final witness in the investigation into Trump as law enforcement officials accelerate security preparations in advance of a possible indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezSupporters of former President Donald Trump's protest in front of the New York Criminal Courts building on Monday, March 20, 2023, in New York. A New York grand jury has heard from what could be the final witness in the investigation into Trump as law enforcement officials accelerate security preparations in advance of a possible indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
A supporter of former President Donald Trump raises a flag outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyA supporter of former President Donald Trump raises a flag outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
A vehicle drives past President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. The decision whether to indict former President Donald Trump over hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign lies in the hands of a Manhattan grand jury that has been meeting in secret to hear evidence for weeks. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyA vehicle drives past President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. The decision whether to indict former President Donald Trump over hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign lies in the hands of a Manhattan grand jury that has been meeting in secret to hear evidence for weeks. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
Media gathers around a lone supporter of former President Donald Trump as she protests a in front of Trump Tower, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonMedia gathers around a lone supporter of former President Donald Trump as she protests a in front of Trump Tower, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
A woman performs with a mask of former president Donald Trump as a small group of people protest near the District Attorney office, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York, in an anticipation of former president's possible indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezA woman performs with a mask of former president Donald Trump as a small group of people protest near the District Attorney office, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York, in an anticipation of former president's possible indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
A man, wearing a patriotic colored Guy Fawkes mask and holding an American flag, joins a small group of protesters near the Manhattan District Attorney's office, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York, in an anticipation of former President Donald Trump's possible indictment. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezA man, wearing a patriotic colored Guy Fawkes mask and holding an American flag, joins a small group of protesters near the Manhattan District Attorney's office, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York, in an anticipation of former President Donald Trump's possible indictment. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
Kathy Clark, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyKathy Clark, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
Colton McCormick, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyColton McCormick, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
Jeffrey Shinko, of Lucerne County, Pa, holds a sign while standing in front Trump Tower on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. Shinko traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City to show his support for former President Donald Trump. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonJeffrey Shinko, of Lucerne County, Pa, holds a sign while standing in front Trump Tower on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. Shinko traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City to show his support for former President Donald Trump. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
A Trump supporter takes part in a protest near the Manhattan District Attorney's office, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York, in an anticipation of former President Donald Trump's possible indictment. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezA Trump supporter takes part in a protest near the Manhattan District Attorney's office, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York, in an anticipation of former President Donald Trump's possible indictment. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
A Trump supporter wearing a costume with antlers takes part in a protest near the district attorney's office in New York on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezA Trump supporter wearing a costume with antlers takes part in a protest near the district attorney's office in New York on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpEduardo Munoz Alvarez
Supporters of former U.S. president Donald Trump take part in a protest near the District Attorney office ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment.(AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Eduardo Munoz AlvarezSupporters of former U.S. president Donald Trump take part in a protest near the District Attorney office ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated indictment on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. A New York grand jury investigating Trump over a hush money payment to a porn star appears poised to complete its work soon as law enforcement officials make preparations for possible unrest in the event of an indictment.(AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpLynne Sladky
Mary Kelley, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne SladkyMary Kelley, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, stands outside of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpGerald Herbert
A supporter of former President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as she acknowledges passers-by, outside his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gerald HerbertA supporter of former President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as she acknowledges passers-by, outside his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpGerald Herbert
Supporters of former President Donald Trump gather outside his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gerald HerbertSupporters of former President Donald Trump gather outside his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpGerald Herbert
A supporter of former President Donald Trump walks with a cross from outside his Mar-a-Lago estate over a bridge to West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gerald HerbertA supporter of former President Donald Trump walks with a cross from outside his Mar-a-Lago estate over a bridge to West Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
A woman walks on Fifth Avenue carrying a flag showing support for former President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonA woman walks on Fifth Avenue carrying a flag showing support for former President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
Trump supporter Jeffrey Shinko, right, of Lucerne County, Pa, and a man protesting Trump, argue about a possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonTrump supporter Jeffrey Shinko, right, of Lucerne County, Pa, and a man protesting Trump, argue about a possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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New York grand jury votes to indict Donald TrumpBryan Woolston
Mike Hisey, left, dressed to portray former President Donald Trump in a prison uniform, stands in front of Trump Tower ahead of a possible announcement of a criminal indictment of the former president on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Bryan WoolstonMike Hisey, left, dressed to portray former President Donald Trump in a prison uniform, stands in front of Trump Tower ahead of a possible announcement of a criminal indictment of the former president on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
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