Politics

Mugshot? Handcuffs? What to expect at Trump’s NYC arraignment Tuesday

All eyes will be on former President Donald Trump when he fronts up to a Manhattan court on Tuesday to be arraigned on charges tied to the Stormy Daniels “hush money” payment.

The 76-year-old’s expected booking comes days after he made history by becoming the first US president to be indicted on criminal charges, including at least one felony offense, for allegedly falsifying business records.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and blasted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s probe as part of a yearslong “witch hunt” aimed at damaging his 2024 bid for the White House.

His pending arrival in the Big Apple from Florida on Monday afternoon has sparked a flurry of heightened security measures across the Big Apple as local authorities and the Secret Service juggle the unprecedented proceedings.

Here’s what we know about Trump’s arraignment so far:

Donald Trump, 76, will touch down in the Big Apple Monday afternoon ahead of his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court. AP

What is Trump being indicted for?

Trump will be slapped with charges tied to “hush money” payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign by his then-lawyer and “fixer,” Michael Cohen.

The investigation is focused on the $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels and another six-figure payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Daniels has previously said she was paid to keep silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump at a Lake Tahoe hotel in 2006. Trump denies the affair.


Follow The Post’s coverage on Trump’s indictment


The ex-president is facing more than 30 counts of falsifying business records — including at least one felony charge, sources told The Post.

The specifics of the indictment, which remains under seal, will be disclosed at the arraignment.

Where is Trump being arraigned?

Trump’s arraignment is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court.

Trump — who is flying from Mar-a-Lago to the Big Apple on Monday — is set to turn himself in to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office two to three hours before the hearing, sources with knowledge of the situation told The Post. 

When the actual arraignment gets underway, the proceedings are only expected to last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Heightened security measures are in place throughout the Big Apple ahead of Trump’s Tuesday arraignment. Matthew McDermott

Will Trump be handcuffed or fingerprinted?

Once he turns himself in to the DA’s office, Trump will likely be fingerprinted and have his mugshot taken, sources say.

Trump is expected to be held in an interview room — rather than a jail cell — before his arraignment, a source with knowledge of the plans said.

The 45th president, who will be flanked by Secret Service agents, won’t be cuffed when it comes time for him to enter the courtroom, according to sources and his lawyer Joe Tacopina.

Tacopina told CNN on Sunday it was unlikely Trump will be perp-walked because of security concerns.

Former Manhattan prosecutor Michael Bachner told The Post that Trump was likely getting “special” treatment due to security concerns and because of his title.

He added it would be “shameful” to cuff the former president.

“Out of respect for the office that he once held, I can see them not wanting to treat him in that way. There is some discretion they have,” Bachner said.

Will his mugshot be released?

It is unclear if Trump’s mugshot will be released publicly.

Under New York state law, such photographs aren’t public records.

One of his attorneys, Alina Habba, told CNN there was no need for a mugshot because Trump is the “most recognized face in the world.”

“Mugshots are for people so that you recognize who they are. He’s the most recognized face in the world, let alone the country, right now, so there’s no need for that,” she said, adding there was “no need for theatrics.”

NYPD security was heightened outside Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office Monday. AFP via Getty Images
The NYPD began erecting barricades along the edge of the sidewalks around the Manhattan court building over the weekend in preparation for expected protests. REUTERS

Will Trump’s arraignment be televised?

The Manhattan judge overseeing the arraignment will allow a handful of still photographers inside the courtroom.

Five pool photographers will be permitted “to take still photos for several minutes” during Trump’s court appearance and cameras will be allowed in the hallway, Judge Juan Merchan ruled Monday night.

No filming or electronics will be permitted. 

Where is Melania Trump — and will his family be in court?

No Trump family members are expected to join the former president in court for his arraignment, sources have said.

His wife, Melania Trump, is expected to remain behind at Mar-a-Lago.

Are there extra security measures in place?

Courtrooms on the courthouse’s higher floors will be shut down ahead of Trump’s arraignment as part of security precautions, a court official told The Post.

The courthouse will be emptied for a security sweep in the lead-up to the proceedings, the official added.

“Because Donald Trump is so extraordinary, the security issues are unlike any other case that has ever been in the city of New York,” Bachner, the former prosecutor, said.

“I could understand from a security perspective why they would want to have limited people in the courthouse, limited defendants, limited visitors so that they can preclude any unforeseen and potentially dangerous things from occurring.”

The NYPD also began erecting barricades along the edge of the sidewalks around the Manhattan court building over the weekend in preparation for expected protests.

What happens after: Will Trump go to jail?

It’s likely Trump will be released on his own recognizance after his arraignment due to New York’s bail reform laws, which require that defendants in non-violent felonies be freed without bail unless they are considered a flight risk.

Trump has already announced he will “deliver remarks” from his Mar-a-Lago resort Tuesday night after his initial court appearance.

Sources say he’ll head straight to LaGuardia Airport after the hearing wraps up.

If convicted of a felony charge, Trump could end up behind bars for up to four years.

He could also receive probation and no jail time.

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