Former US President Donald Trump has been arrested by the Manhattan District Attorney's office on charges of financial fraud and tax evasion, according to sources close to the investigation. The charges relate to Trump's business dealings before he became president, including allegations of falsifying tax returns, inflating the value of assets to secure loans, and misusing company funds. Trump has denied the allegations and has called the investigation politically motivated.
News of Trump's arrest has led to protests outside Trump Tower in Manhattan, with supporters and detractors of the former president clashing. Law enforcement officials have been deployed to maintain order, and there have been reports of sporadic violence.
The arrest of Trump is seen as a major development in the ongoing investigation into his business practices, and could have significant implications for his political future. Some legal experts believe that if Trump is found guilty of the charges, he could face significant jail time, and could be barred from running for public office in the future.
The arrest of a former president is a rare event in US history, and is likely to spark a national conversation about the role of accountability in politics. Trump's arrest is likely to be a major topic of discussion in the 2024 presidential election, as candidates from both parties seek to define their positions on the rule of law and the importance of ethical conduct in public life. It remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold, but it is clear that Trump's legal troubles are far from over.
