Ashish Ranjan
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Twitter, asserted that if former President Donald Trump were arrested, he would be re-elected with a “landslide victory.”Musk tweeted in response to allegations that Trump would be charged as early as next week, “If this occurs, Trump will be re-elected in a landslide.”
Notably, the CEO of Twitter said this in response to a Fox News report that suggested Trump could be “handcuffed.”Earlier on Saturday, Trump stated that he would be detained the following week on Tuesday as part of a yearlong investigation into a hush-money scheme. CNN reported that he also urged his supporters to protest the move.
If this happens, Trump will be re-elected in a landslide victory
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 18, 2023
“NEXT TUESDAY, THE FAR AND AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BE ARRESTED. PROTEST, TAKE BACK OUR NATION!,” he yelled in all-caps to his followers on Truth Social, his social media account on Saturday. (local time).
CNN reports that city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in New York City have met throughout the week to discuss how to prepare for a possible indictment of President Trump in connection with a yearlong investigation into a hush-money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Any indictment of the former President, who is running for re-election in 2024, would be a first in history and immediately alter the political discourse surrounding a figure who is already divisive. A criminal charge would represent a dramatic escalation of Trump’s legal troubles as he attempts to retake the White House, despite his extensive history of civil litigation both before and after assuming office.
CNN reported that Trump’s legal team has been preparing for the next steps in anticipation of an imminent indictment and potential charges. Trump has not specified what he has been told about an indictment and possible charges.
The former president is expected to appear in Manhattan following the formal charges, and he has expressed interest in delivering a speech afterward, though it remains to be seen whether he does so.A campaign spokesperson stated that Trump had received “no notification” other than “illegal leaks” from prosecutors to media outlets.
Trump’s call for protests recalls his mobilisation of his supporters prior to January 6, 2021, when he used social media to invite audiences as Congress prepared to certify Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.Trump urged his supporters to march to Capitol Hill, where a large number subsequently stormed the building, compelling lawmakers to flee and temporarily suspending proceedings.
CNN reported that law enforcement was already preparing for such an event next week, so Trump’s claim that he will be apprehended could be an attempt to throw off prosecutors’ schedule.
Also Read | Trump says he will be arrested Tuesday, asks supporters to protest
Trump’s indictment would be unprecedented in U.S. history. Richard Nixon faced potential criminal charges related to the Watergate scandal following his 1974 resignation, but Gerald Ford pardoned him.
