Former Republican President Donald Trump has been subpoenaed by New York prosecutors to testify before a grand jury as part of an investigation into alleged silence payments to a porn star that could lead to his indictment, US media reported Thursday.

The New York Times and Washington Post have reported in their digital publications that Mr. Trump has been subpoenaed to testify next week about the $130,000 he gave shortly before the 2016 presidential election to a pseudonymous actress. Stormy Danielswho claimed to have dated the real estate mogul and former president.

Both newspapers, citing informed sources, said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat who took office in January, is leading the process.

According to the Times, subpoenas “almost always” mean “charge” is imminent.

If this scenario holds true, Donald Trump would become the first former US president to face criminal charges.

Mr. Trump, who has already announced he will run for the White House in 2024, is the subject of various federal and state investigations into events that unfolded before, during, and after his presidency. However, at this stage, none of these charges have been brought against him.

The criminal charges will have implications for his presidential candidacy.

Two weeks before the November 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, to allegedly keep private moments with the mogul secret for several years. previously. Mr. Cohen said he later received compensation.

If the payment to Mr. Cohen had not been made in official form, Mr. Trump could have been prosecuted for a misdemeanor in New York, which is a felony, if the intent was to cover up a second offense, the Times notes.

Source: RES-IPE