Former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing more than 30 counts related to business fraud in an indictment from a grand jury in Manhattan, according to two sources familiar with the case. This marks the first time in U.S. history that a current or former president faces criminal charges. Trump is expected to appear in court next Tuesday to be arraigned, as multiple sources have reported to CNN. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has been investigating Trump regarding his alleged role in a scheme to pay and cover up payments to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Below is an updated list of significant investigations, lawsuits, and notable controversies:
**Mar-a-Lago Documents**: Special counsel Jack Smith is overseeing the criminal investigations by the Department of Justice regarding the retention of national defense information at Trump’s resort known as Mar-a-Lago in Florida, as well as aspects of the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The DOJ's investigation continues into what is colloquially known as the "Mar-a-Lago documents" related to White House documents found at Trump’s residence, and whether they were unlawfully mishandled when transferred to Mar-a-Lago in Florida after he left office. A federal grand jury has interviewed potential witnesses about how Trump handled the documents. The National Archives, tasked with collecting and cataloging presidential materials, previously stated that at least 15 boxes of White House records were retrieved from Mar-a-Lago, including some classified records.
**2020 Elections and January 6**: As part of its investigation, the special counsel's office sought testimony from several key insiders in the White House, including former Vice President Mike Pence, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Justice Department's investigation includes the use of so-called fake electors from states that Trump falsely claimed to have won, such as Georgia and Arizona. Trump fought to prevent former advisors from testifying about specific conversations, citing executive, attorney-client, and other privileges to maintain the confidentiality of information or delay criminal investigators.
**2020 Elections: Efforts to Overturn Georgia Results**: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is overseeing a special grand jury investigating what Trump or his allies may have done in their efforts to overturn Biden's victory in Georgia. Willis, a Democrat, is considering conspiracy and extortion charges. The investigation began in 2021 following Trump’s January call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, in which the Republican urged him to "find" votes to overturn the election results. The grand jury has issued a report – largely kept secret – concluding that there was no widespread voter fraud in the state and also suggesting considering perjury charges against some witnesses. The grand jury recommended charges be brought against more than ten individuals, according to officials in interviews last month.
