Trump hush-money investigation paused as New York grand jury adjourns
Few supporters take to the streets despite former president's call for protests
Ex-US president Donald Trump's former ally Michael Cohen had previously told the grand jury that he paid $130,000 to silence an adult film star. Reuters
A New York grand jury investigating Donald Trump over allegations that hush money was given to an adult film star before the 2016 US presidential election will not be meeting on Wednesday, several news organisations reported, as anticipation builds for a possible indictment against the former president.
Michael Cohen, a former ally of Mr Trump, had previously told the grand jury that he paid $130,000 to silence Stormy Daniels during Mr Trump's first White House campaign.
Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, had claimed she had an affair with Mr Trump in 2006.
Mr Trump has denied the affair and any wrongdoing and has called the investigation — as he has other investigations — a “witch hunt”.
The grand jury meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. It is unknown why the group was adjourned and not called into session on a day it typically meets.
There are also reports that the grand jury may hear from an additional witness.
The adjournment on Wednesday suggests that any indictment of Mr Trump would come on Thursday at the earliest.
Supporters of former US president Donald Trump line up as they gather near his Mar-a-Lago resort and home in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday. Getty
Mr Trump said in a social media post that would be arrested in connection with an investigation into a hush money scheme. Getty
He called for protests and asked his supporters to take to the streets. Reuters
A demonstrator holds a sign outside Manhattan Criminal Court as a grand jury is expected to vote this week on whether to indict Mr Trump. Getty
Anti-Trump followers gather in New York. Getty
A demonstrator holds a sign depicting Mr Trump behind bars. Getty
Mr Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has called the investigation a 'witch hunt'. Getty
An anti-Trump demonstrator holds up a sign. Getty
A Secret Service agent guards Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and home in Florida. Reuters
A supporter of Mr Trump near his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach. Getty
Mr Trump's supporters in Palm Beach, Florida, insisted they were not protesting, but rather having a party. Getty
The former president also claimed this week, without evidence, that he would be arrested on Tuesday, though no criminal charges have so far been filed.
Should the grand jury indict Mr Trump, he would become the first former US president to be criminally charged. He would have to travel from Florida to New York for a mugshot and fingerprinting if he were to be charged.
Police in New York this week were preparing for unrest, and Mr Trump himself has called for protests, but so far few supporters have been taking to the streets.
Joseph Tacopina, a lawyer for Mr Trump, said the former president would surrender to authorities if indicted, Bloomberg reported.
Republicans and allies of Mr Trump have since attacked the credentials of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office has been investigating the case.
A group of Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Monday signed a letter demanding Mr Bragg present committees with documents related to the investigation as well as his testimony.
Supporters of former US president Donald Trump and America First ideology participate in Stop the Steal and Million Maga (Make America Great Again) March protests after the 2020 presidential election was called for Joe Biden. Reuters
A woman wears a jacket reading 'Maga King' at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas. Reuters
A new take on the red Maga hat seen at CPAC in Dallas. Reuters
Mr Trump tosses Maga hats to the crowd as he arrives for a Save America rally at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio. EPA
Maga Mall president Ronald Solomon sells merchandise at CPAC. Reuters
A liberal voter in Georgia said that Trump supporters have made it impossible to ever wear a red hat again. Reuters
A Trump supporter sells merchandise during the Save America rally at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas. Getty Images / AFP
During the 2016 presidential election, it was found that a large portion of Maga merchandise was made in China. Getty Images / AFP
Texans at the Save America rally earlier this year. Getty Images / AFP
Despite no evidence of fraud and Joe Biden's certification by Congress, Maga supporters still insist that Mr Trump won the 2020 presidential election. Reuters
Maga supporters in Scottsdale, Arizona, kit out their dogs. Reuters
People cheer at a Maga rally in Sarasota, Florida. Getty Images / AFP
The Republican Party of Florida co-sponsored this Maga rally last year. Getty Images / AFP
A woman wears a red Maga hat in Sarasota. Getty Images / AFP
For some, Maga isn't just a movement, it is a way of life. Getty Images / AFP
A Maga supporter speaks during a rally. Getty Images / AFP
A Trump supporters in Sarasota shows his Maga pride. Getty Images / AFP
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused Mr Bragg of overreach but does not think people should protest a possible Trump indictment.
“I don’t think people should protest this, no,” Punchbowl News reported Mr McCarthy as saying at the House Republican retreat in Orlando on Sunday.
He faces two additional investigations related to accusations that he sought to undermine the results of the 2020 election, as well as an investigation into his potential mishandling of classified records once he left office.