NEW YORK: Donald Trump has been formally arrested following his arrival at New York courthouse for historic hearing held amid tight security and global media frenzy, as Republican billionaire becomes first American president in history to face criminal charges, international media reported.  In spectacle playing out on live television with rival protesters rallying outside hearing marks watershed moment for US criminal and political system, with potential to upend 2024 White House race in which Trump is currently leading Republican nominee.

76-year-old Trump is expected to plead not guilty to host of charges related to hush money paid to porn star ahead of 2016 election that brought him to power. “Seems so SURREAL -WOW, they are going to ARREST ME,” Trump posted on his Truth Social app as he headed to courthouse from Trump Tower, where he spent night after flying from Florida. “Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!” Twice-impeached Republican is first sitting or former American president to be criminally indicted development that has propelled United States into uncharted political waters. Trump claims he is victim of “Political persecution” but is also using court case to energise his support base and raise millions of dollars for his bid to reclaim White House. Trump was indicted last week by grand jury in case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, an elected Democrat.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 05 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.