Donald Trump on Monday demanded that the Manhattan district attorney should “indict himself” after details of the former president's indictment were leaked "illegally".
The one-time president will face 34 felony charges for falsification of business records in connection to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, according to a report by Yahoo News.
The livid Republican issued a series of posts on his social media platform Truth Social ahead of his arraignment in a Manhattan criminal court, mostly ranting against the District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
"Wow! District Attorney Bragg just illegally LEAKED the various points, and complete information, on the pathetic Indictment against me," Mr Trump wrote.
"I know the reporter and so, unfortunately, does he. This means that he MUST BE IMMEDIATELY INDICTED.
"Now, if he wants to really clean up his reputation, he will do the honourable thing and, as District Attorney, INDICT HIMSELF," the 45th president added.
"He will go down in Judicial history, and his Trump-Hating wife will be, I am sure, very proud of him!"
Mr Trump continued his attack on the district attorney, asking him to resign.
"DA BRAGG JUST ILLEGALLY LEAKED THE 33 points of Indictment. There are no changes or surprises from those he leaked days ago directly out of the Grand Jury," he said.
"No Crime by Trump. What a MESS. Bragg should resign, NOW!"
Hours after his rant, Mr Trump arrived at the Manhattan Criminal Court for his arraignment.
The Manhattan district attorney had reportedly consulted with the Secret Service and New York City court officials and decided that there was no reason to put Mr Trump through the normal procedure of being handcuffed, having a mug shot taken, or being placed in a jail cell before he was led into the hearing.
Mr Bragg was slated to give a press conference after the arraignment.
