Trump says he expects to be arrested on Tuesday, calls on supporters to ‘take our nation back’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects to be arrested on Tuesday, according to a post made on Truth Social, the social media company he purchased after having his Twitter account removed in January 2021.

In his post, Trump called on his supporters to protest his arrest after indicating there were “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

He did not provide proof of the leaks, or even say on what charges he would be arrested.

Trump is being investigated by the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in relation to a payment made by his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, allegedly as a hush payment to the porn star, Stormy Daniels, in 2016.

Trump initially denied any knowledge of the payment but later admitted in 2018 that he had reimbursed Cohen for the payment, calling it a “simple private transaction.”

Trump’s post appears to be related to news reports that Bragg’s office will be meeting with law enforcement in order to prepare for a potential indictment.

The probe is just one of several ongoing investigations of Trump.

He is currently being investigated by United States Attorney General Merrick Garland for his handling of classified documents after leaving office.

Last year, while Bragg won a conviction against the Trump organization for tax fraud, he did not charge Trump himself. This angered many in his office.

Trump also faces criminal investigations in Atlanta and Washington in connection with his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Some political analysts believe Trump’s post was another attempt to preempt negative publicity and gain support from his base.

Last summer, news broke that the FBI was searching his Florida residence at Mar-a-Lago as part of an investigation of his handling of classified documents. Trump's post about the raid on Truth Social led to a flood of donations for his political organization.

Trump sent out a fundraising email to his supporters on Saturday reading: “MANHATTAN D.A. COULD BE CLOSE TO CHARGING TRUMP.” 

Trump has been increasingly targeting perceived political opponents from his own party, especially Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who trails only Trump in polls.

DeSantis has not officially announced his candidacy for president but is expected to announce a decision soon.