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Donald Trump, former President of the United States and a trailblazer in many ways, has set another record. As of Mar. 31 (Singapore time), he is the first president to be indicted on criminal charges.

Why?

Trump was indicted by a grand jury in his former home of Manhattan, New York City.

While according to the Washington Post, the indictment was sealed, meaning the specific charges are not yet known, the grand jury has been hearing evidence on allegations of paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

The money was supposedly paid in exchange for Daniels' silence on an extra-marital encounter while Trump was running for president in 2016.

Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid US$130,000 (S$172,500) to Daniels. He was allegedly reimbursed by the Trump Organization, who is said to have falsified the payment as "legal expenses" to conceal its nature.

Cohen is acting as a witness for the prosecution. He was jailed in Dec. 2018 for three years after pleading guilty to campaign finance charges, lying to Congress, and others for his role in the Stormy Daniels case.

What happens next?

Trump previously called for mass protests by his supporters, anticipating his indictment. However, the response was tepid at best.

The New York Times reported that the city of New York is stepping up security measures preparing for possible unrest, as Trump is expected to surrender for arraignment at the State Supreme Court.

According to CBS, Trump is expected to go through the usual processing of a criminal suspect. This means he will have his fingerprints taken and his photograph taken for a mugshot.

While most suspects are handcuffed for their journey to the courtroom, Trump may not have to be, as it is up to the discretion of the New York police.

As a former president, Trump is entitled to Secret Service protection, and their agents are expected to accompany Trump throughout this process.

What are the political implications?

Trump has declared his intention to run for president in 2024 -- the first person to do so.

As he has only served one term as president before losing in 2020, he is eligible to run again for another term.

As the first former president to be indicted, it remains to be seen how Trump's criminal baggage will impact the 2024 election.

While some have viewed it as a boon to Trump's chances by outraging his supporters, other pundits have pointed out that Trump's base of core support will not be enlarged by this latest development.

Trump currently leads in the polls for the Republican nominee for president, but that could change, to say nothing of a potential rematch with incumbent President Joe Biden in 2024.

He released a statement on social media, alleging (without evidence) that he is a victim of political persecution.

Top image from Donald Trump's Facebook page.