Former President Donald Trump said Saturday that «illegal leaks» have indicated that he will be arrested on Tuesday and called on his supporters to protest.
Trump, in posts on his Truth Social social media platform, referenced reports that he could soon face possible criminal charges in New York related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump did not say whether law enforcement had informed him of an impending indictment. A Trump spokesperson later clarified in a statement that «there have been no notifications, other than illegal leaks from the Department of Justice and the prosecutor’s office, to NBC» and other media outlets.
The spokesperson added: «President Trump is rightly highlighting his innocence and the gunplay of our system of injustice. He will be in Texas next weekend for a giant rally. Let’s Make America Great Again!»
NBC News reported Friday that law enforcement agencies are preparing for a possible impeachment of Trump starting next week.
Trump, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, denounced «illegal leaks» that «indicate» that he would be arrested on Tuesday.
«PROTEST, TAKE BACK OUR NATION!» Trump wrote.
Republicans rallied in defense of Trump on Saturday and criticized the New York investigation, though they stopped short of embracing their desire for street protests. He stepped up his calls for demonstrations later that day, writing in another Truth Social post: “WE MUST SAVE AMERICA! PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, said in a tweet: «We don’t need to protest,» adding, «These idiots are sealing their own fate in 2024.»
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the investigation by Manhattan Democratic District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office a continuation of the partisan «witch hunt» against him. He also accused Bragg, who is black, of being a «racist.»
A spokesman for Bragg’s office declined to comment on Trump’s posts on Truth Social.