Advisers close to the former president have reported that Donald Trump has expressed his desire to appear in court in handcuffs. He is indicted by a Manhattan grand jury for his involvement in paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Multiple sources have confirmed this.
According to sources, the former president has justified his desire to appear in court in handcuffs by reasoning. That he would have to go to the courthouse and surrender himself to authorities for fingerprinting and a mug shot anyway. Therefore, he believes that he might as well turn the entire process into a “spectacle”.
Donald Trump’s Motivations
It seems that Trump’s growing insistence on being handcuffed behind his back for a “perp walk” stems from several motivations. These motivations include his desire to project defiance against what he perceives as an unjust prosecution. And to rally his base for his potential 2024 presidential campaign.
Sources close to Trump have revealed that his main concern is appearing weak or like a loser. Which is why he has expressed his desire to be handcuffed during his court appearance. Recent discussions with advisers have shed light on his unique fears and anxieties. As the grand jury is expected to return an indictment.
Trump’s legal team in the hush money case has advised against a personal appearance. And suggested a remote appearance due to potential security concerns. However, Trump has rejected this approach and told his allies that he is willing to become a “martyr” even if someone shoots him. He has even expressed confidence that if he were shot, he would win the presidency in 2024.
It remains unclear when the Manhattan grand jury will return an indictment. Moreover, make Trump the first sitting or former US president to face criminal charges.
Trump calls for protests –
His ex-lawyer-turned-adversary Michael Cohen testified before the grand jury. Confessed to Congress in 2019 that he made the payment on Trump’s behalf. And It was later reimbursed.
The payment to Daniels, if not properly accounted for, could result in a misdemeanor charge for falsifying business records.
That might be raised to a felony if the false accounting was intended to cover up a second crime, such as a campaign finance violation, which is punishable by up to four years behind bars.
Analysts say that argument is untested and would be difficult to prove in court, and any jail time is far from certain.
An indictment would begin a lengthy process that could last several months, if not more. The case would face a mountain of legal issues as it moves toward jury selection and pose a security headache for Secret Service agents who protect Trump.