Former President Donald Trump’s announcement that he expects to be arrested is causing a stir among lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle.
The potential indictment charges stem from hush money that was allegedly paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, after an alleged affair between Daniels and Trump in 2006.
Cohen allegedly paid Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about the affair, and Trump allegedly reimbursed Cohen through Trump Organization funds in installments, claiming the money was a monthly legal fee for Cohen’s services.
However, prosecutors allege that the payments were campaign finance law violations since they were intended to help Trump win the 2016 presidential election.
Trump denies all allegations.
Some Republicans are criticizing the potential indictment, calling it a politically charged prosecution, while Democrats argue that Trump’s announcement is reckless and undermines the legal process.
Despite the potential legal troubles, Trump has said that being indicted could actually help his campaign, and there is nothing in the Constitution that says a presidential candidate must sit out if indicted.
