Former President Donald Trump turned himself in to police custody Tuesday ahead of his arraignment for his role in an alleged hush money scheme.
Moments before arriving at the Manhattan District Attorney's office around 1:30 p.m. Eastern, Trump gave insight into what he was thinking.
"Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!" Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
He was indicted by a grand jury last week. The indictment is currently under seal, meaning the exact charges Trump is facing are not known to the public. They are expected to be revealed at Tuesday's hearing, which is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET.
The Manhattan's District Attorney's Office has been investigating payments made by Trump and his former personal attorney Michael Cohen to porn star Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to prevent Daniels from speaking about what she says was a sexual relationship with Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
The public will not be allowed to watch Tuesday's hearing live. Judge Juan Merchan has restricted courtroom access to just a few photographers.
What Americans think of Trump's indictment
While several polls indicate support for Trump's indictment, there are many others who believe the indictment is politically motivated.
Trump, who is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges, flew from Florida to New York on Monday. He will likely be fingerprinted before the hearing. It's unclear whether he will be handcuffed or have a mug shot taken.
A day before the hearing, Trump added some legal star power to his team.
Todd Blanche, who previously represented other Trump associates, will represent the former president in this case.
Blanche is a well-known attorney in New York. He has a deep level of experience in dealing with Manhattan's legal system and the district attorney’s office.
Security in the city tight ahead of the hearing; however, police say there is no credible threat of violence.
Trump has not said whether he will greet protesters. He is scheduled to return to Florida after the hearing and deliver remarks Tuesday night.
Who is the judge deciding Trump's fate in New York?
Acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan is a seasoned judge who is no stranger to Donald Trump's world.
