SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Former President Donald Trump has been indicted in New York on charges involving payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to hush up a sexual encounter he had with a porn star.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
This is the first-ever criminal case against a former United States President.
It came as a surprise that the indictment came out on Thursday. Most thought the grand jury would take a recess and the result would come out sometime next month.
The grand jury has been meeting and bringing in witnesses for the past month or so.
"It appears they've been focusing on the hush money payment to the porn star, Stormy Daniels," said John Dean, of Watergate fame and legal counsel to former President Richard Nixon on KCBS Radio on Thursday.
"Earlier today there were rumors that they were taking extra security precautions around the New York courthouse," he said.
"So there were some hints today, but it is a surprise," said Dean.
While many might be expecting Trump to get his mug shot and do the typical perp walk, it might not shake out that way.
"You've got to remember, this is a man who has a secret service detail with him for life," said Dean. "So it'll be a little different from the norm."
Trump will likely have his security detail with him throughout the process, ensuring the maximum security possible.
As for what happens next, Trump might stay in Florida, creating an extradition issue. Florida could choose not to extradite him.
"But that would really be very rare," he said.
While Trump can be unpredictable and his word can be unreliable, it's unlikely that he'll try to do something to draw more attention to this case, according to Dean.
"This story is just getting started," he said. "It's going to be a multi-ring circus."
Trump recently announced his intention to run for the presidency again in 2024, but it's unclear what kind of impact this indictment might have on his chances yet.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
