Trump “expects arrest” on Tuesday

NEW YORK — Former US President Donald Trump said he expects to be “arrested” Tuesday for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election, and urged his supporters to protest.

Citing a “leak” from the Manhattan Attorney’s Office, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning: “The leading Republican nominee and former President of the United States of America will be arrested next Tuesday. Protest, take back our nation!”

The investigation focuses on $130,000 paid weeks before the 2016 election to keep Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, from going public about an affair with Trump that she years previously had with Trump.

Prosecutors have considered indicting Trump in the case.

Should the Manhattan DA indict Trump, the 76-year-old would become the first former president to be charged with a crime.

Trump’s attorney told CNBC Friday night his client would face criminal charges if he was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury.

Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels.

In his post, Trump referred to “illegal leaks from a corrupt and highly political Manhattan attorney’s office.”

Trump combined his all-cap comments with a renewed verbal attack on investigators who he says are following a “fairy tale” that has been debunked.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg convened a state grand jury over the alleged hush money payment. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has called Bragg’s investigation “a political witch hunt.”

Joseph Tacopina, an attorney for Trump, did not immediately respond to voicemail and email messages asking for comment on Trump’s testimony. A spokesman for Bragg declined to comment.

Trump’s former attorney and fixer Michael Cohen completed his testimony before the grand jury on Wednesday. Cohen would be a key witness for prosecutors.

He pleaded guilty to federal fraud and campaign finance in 2018 and admitted he arranged illegal hush money payments to Daniels.

Cohen said he paid the woman $130,000 and was reimbursed. He showed a congressional committee a check for the amount signed by Trump. He said he acted on instructions from Trump.