Former President Arrives at Trump Tower Ahead of Arraignment

Former President Donald Trump arrived at his namesake Trump Tower in New York City on April 3. Trump, who faces charges relating to a grand jury indictment, will spend the night there before his arraignment on April 4.

As Trump walked into the building through a side door on 56th Street, a small group of supporters, including Stephanie Lu, a Chinese American, waved U.S. flags and chanted “we love Trump.”

Trump, along with his son Eric Trump, waved back to the supporters before entering the tower. The former president faces charges relating to the payment of hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg will bring charges against Trump alleging that he violated federal campaign finance laws by illegally classifying the payment.

Police have barricaded the area near Trump Tower and the Manhattan Supreme Court, where the court proceedings will take place.

Despite the charges against him, Trump’s supporters are still vocal with their support. Drivers of several black vans passing by beeped their car horns to signal support for Trump, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Paul Ingrassia, a member of the New York Young Republican Club who was showing his support outside Trump Tower, dismissed the charges against Trump as “bogus.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged people who are planning to protest to be on their best behavior. However, supporters like Karen Lichtbraun rebuffed his warning, citing the rising crime rate in the city. Lichtbraun, who is Jewish, expressed her appreciation for Trump’s pro-Israel policy during his presidency.

Counterprotesters such as Robert Hoatson were also present near Trump Tower, holding signs reading “Lock him up” and “Throw away the key.”