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Manhattan grand jury – The investigation of former President Donald Trump by the Manhattan grand jury is still underway.
The delay has raised several concerns, including whether the Manhattan grand jury is close to issuing an indictment.
The news
Despite significant media and political scrutiny, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been deafeningly silent on the investigation’s progress in recent days.
The district attorney’s office stated that after the inquiry is completed, the public would be notified.
Leslie Dubeck, Bragg’s general counsel, wrote a letter to House Republicans on Thursday opposing their plans to examine the Trump investigation.
“The District Attorney pledged that the DA’s office would ‘publicly state the conclusion of our investigation whether we conclude our work without bringing charges, or move forward with an indictment.’ He stands by that pledge,” said Dubeck.
“And if the charges are brought at the conclusion, it will be because the rule of law and faithful execution of the District Attorney’s duty requires it.”
The Trump case was not heard by the Manhattan grand jury on Thursday, but it will be heard again on Monday.
The Manhattan grand jury might hear from more witnesses, as per two sources.
Prosecution
Prosecutors reflect on the peculiar aspect of investigating a former president as the probe comes to a close.
According to sources, that would be an unprecedented step.
Others allege that the district attorney’s office is taking a pause as a result of the previous week’s events.
Trump predicted on social media over the weekend that he would be detained on Tuesday, fueling speculation about the probe and the potential of an indictment.
But, it diminished because the Manhattan grand jury did not meet on Wednesday, instead convening on Thursday to hear another case.
Trump
President Trump helped to raise the prospect of an indictment, which he and his colleagues subsequently utilized to score political points against Hillary Clinton and the Democrats.
He used the grand jury action to harass Bragg again on Thursday, alleging instability in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Notwithstanding his assurance that no crime was committed, Trump’s tone transformed in a social media rant on Friday, warning of “potential death & devastation” if he is indicted.
Also, Bragg is looking into Trump’s rule in a 2016 attempt to bribe adult film star Stormy Daniels to remain silent about a ten-year affair.
Trump has maintained his denial of the affair.
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Preparations
Law enforcement authorities are waiting for a possible ruling from the Manhattan grand jury next week, as they await the district attorney’s office.
On Wednesday, the New York Police Department staged a practice for future protests in downtown New York, according to a law enforcement official.
Despite Trump’s demands, there have been no significant threats or large-scale protests this week.
According to a law enforcement source involved in security preparations for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Trump investigation, it is unclear when or if an indictment would be brought.
Office debates
The district attorney’s office is considering recalling Michael Cohen, former President Donald Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer.
Before the grand jury decides on Trump’s indictment, Cohen may contradict lawyer Robert Costello’s earlier this week testimony or bring another witness to bolster their case.
Costello testified before a Manhattan grand jury on Monday at the request of Trump’s attorneys in an attempt to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Michael Cohen is also a significant prosecution witness.
It’s unclear if Costello’s testimony influenced the district attorney’s decision to call one more witness.
“Up until this point, the grand jury had only heard the prosecution’s witness, under questioning by prosecutors, with no input from defense counsel or potential defendants,” said former prosecutor Elie Honig.
“So Costello would have given the grand jury a defense perspective for the first time.”
Costello
According to Robert Costello, his Monday hearing before the Manhattan grand jury was unpleasant at times.
He said he was questioned by a prosecutor as seven assistant district attorneys waited in the grand jury chamber.
Despite the fact that grand jury hearings are kept confidential, Costello claims he questioned prosecutors about why they only requested six files from the hundreds he submitted.
He once urged the Manhattan grand jury that they should want access to all records.
Costello also claimed to have the backing of five or six jurors.
“Without a doubt, my testimony had an impact on the grand jury,” said Costello.
“I told the truth about Michael Cohen. I did not try to embarrass the DA’s office of Alvin Bragg.”
After his court appearance, Costello claims he hasn’t heard from the District Attorney’s office.
