The big rumor this week was about the possible arrest of Donald Trump on Tuesday.
That rumor has since been put to bed as Trump jumping the gun.
His camp has since walked back Trump’s claims of an imminent arrest, stating that there has been on indicators that Manhattan DA Bragg is going to put him in cuffs and make him do the walk of shame.
Legally Pathetic
The big debate came after it was revealed that Trump had been offered the opportunity to speak in front of the grand jury.
This is typical of a case where charges are imminent.
The case took on a life of its own from that point, ending up with Trump saying he was being arrested on Tuesday and asking his supporters to protest.
George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley was extremely critical of the case.
He wrote, “This is a flawed case if it is based on a state charge effectively prosecuting the federal election violation.
“That federal case was rejected by the Justice Department.
“There are also statute of limitation questions that could come into play.
“Bragg may be able to expect highly motivated judges and jurors in New York.
“However, the novelty and questions in this case would present difficult appellate issues for the prosecution.”
He also hit back at Trump for asking his supporters to protest, a move that was interpreted as Trump asking his supporters riot, reminiscent of January 6…
Donald Trump is saying that he will be arrested on Tuesday and is calling for "protests" to "take our nation back." https://t.co/pwl1nHJlhg I am highly critical of this case. However, given recent history, Trump needs to tap down any inflammatory rhetoric as we move forward…
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) March 18, 2023
Turley would also pen an op-ed in The Hill over the weekend, writing, “Although it may be politically popular, the case is legally pathetic.
“Bragg is struggling to twist state laws to effectively prosecute a federal case long ago rejected by the Justice Department against Trump over his payment of ‘hush money’ to former stripper Stormy Daniels.”
He continued, “It is extremely difficult to show that paying money to cover up an embarrassing affair was done for election purposes as opposed to an array of obvious other reasons, from protecting a celebrity’s reputation to preserving a marriage.
“That was demonstrated by the failed federal prosecution of former presidential candidate John Edwards on a much stronger charge of using campaign funds to cover up an affair.”
Adding to the drama is that the statute of limitations has run out on charging this as a misdemeanor, so Bragg would have to go after Trump on a felony charge.