Former US President Donald Trump said he expects to be "arrested" on Tuesday over hush money allegedly paid to a porn star before the 2016 election, calling on his supporters to protest.

"Leading Republican candidate & former President of the United States of America will be arrested on Tuesday of next week," the 76-year-old billionaire said Saturday on his Truth Social platform, adding: "Protest, take our nation back!"

An indictment would make Trump the first former US president to be charged with a crime, marking an explosive and unpredictable development in the 2024 White House race -- as Trump seeks again to clinch the Republican nomination.

Not even a conviction in the hush money case would prevent Trump from running, but an indictment could have major consequences, galvanizing his critics but also electrifying his supporters.

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reacted with fury, accusing New York prosecutors of pursuing "political vengeance" against Trump. McCarthy vowed on Twitter to launch a congressional probe of the matter.

But his Democratic predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, denounced Trump's announcement as "reckless," saying it would "foment unrest among his supporters."

(AFP)

Read more on FRANCE 24 English

Read also:
Donald Trump to hold first 2024 campaign event in South Carolina
Former VP Pence ordered to testify in Trump criminal investigation
Witnesses in probe of Trump election meddling 'may have lied under oath'