Former US President Trump expected to be arrested – Photo: Reuters

Former US President Donald Trump said on Saturday in a social media post that he expects to be arrested on Tuesday. He made this claim based on what he said was “illegal leaked information” from the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

Media speculated this may be in connection to an ongoing investigation into hush money payments to actress Stormy Daniels. Media reported that sources familiar to the investigation said another witness is expected to testify on Monday before the grand jury.

Echoing his appeals in the wake of the 2020 election loss, Trump called for his supporters to come out in protest. New York City police are monitoring the situation, with media reporting saying security for a possible indictment has been discussed.

An indictment of a former president would be a historic first and would quickly change the political conversation in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election. In a similar vein to how Trump capitalised on his 2020 election loss to rile up his supporters, an indictment could strengthen support among his base for his ongoing election campaign. Should Trump be taken away in handcuffs, such images would likely become iconic for his supporters, furthering narratives of a conspiracy to suppress him.