(West Palm Beach) Former US President Donald Trump flew to New York on Monday afternoon, where he is to be arraigned on Tuesday to face criminal charges stemming from secret payments he allegedly made to two women during his 2016 election campaign.
The towering blue, white and red Boeing 757, emblazoned with the word ‘TRUMP’ in gold lettering, took off from Florida just before 1 p.m. Monday to a crowd that had gathered to cheer on the former president .
The reception that Mr. Trump will receive in New York, where he has forged his reputation in the world of business and entertainment, is however likely to be quite different, since he became deeply unpopular there when he entered politics. .
PHOTO JOE CAVARETTA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Donald Trump before boarding his plane
His return to New York opens an unprecedented chapter in American history, as he will become the first former president to face criminal charges.
Mr. Trump is expected to spend the night at the Tower, then surrender to authorities on Tuesday for his arraignment, likely in the afternoon.
Although the authorities do not expect a large influx of protesters, they have nevertheless reminded that possession of a weapon in certain areas of the city, including near courthouses, is a crime.
Mr. Trump faces multiple charges of falsifying business records, including at least one felony, in the indictment handed down by a Manhattan grand jury last week.
Investigation digs into six-figure payments Mr. Trump allegedly made to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former magazine model Playboy Karen McDougal.
Both women allege they had sex with Mr Trump before he entered politics.
Mr Trump denies having had a sexual affair with either woman and has denied any wrongdoing involving payments.