Donald Trump has stated that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday and has called on his supporters to stage mass protests.
However, his lawyer has stated that there has been no contact from law enforcement, and Trump's claims are based on media reports.
Reports suggest that prosecutors are considering indicting Trump next week, which would be the first criminal case against a former US president.
The case centres on allegations that Trump's lawyer paid hush money to Stormy Daniels on his behalf prior to the 2016 presidential election. Trump is currently being investigated in several cases, although he denies any wrongdoing and has not yet been charged.
He has vowed to continue his campaign for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, even if indicted. While it is not yet known if he will be charged this week or the specific charges, his prediction of arrest and call for protests is a significant development.
Trump's loyal base of supporters and the violence that followed the January 6th Capitol riot have made the situation tense.
Trump has accused the Manhattan district attorney's office of leaking information about his case to the press and calls this a political prosecution.
The Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, has criticized the investigation, calling it "an outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA [district attorney]."
If indicted, it would create a complicated situation for Trump's Republican rivals, who would have to decide whether to attack him or lay low.
The Stormy Daniels case is about whether Trump reimbursed his lawyer, Michael Cohen, after Cohen paid Ms Daniels $130,000.
Trump may have falsified business records, a misdemeanour in New York, by saying the payment was for legal fees.
The case progressed when Trump was invited to testify to a grand jury, indicating that he could soon face criminal charges.
US media outlets report that law enforcement agencies in New York are preparing for the possibility of Trump being indicted and appearing in court as early as next week.
Source: graphiconline.com
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