“We’ve already seen the consequences of incitement from the former president,” Jeffries told reporters. “He is principally responsible for inciting the violent insurrection that happened on January 6th,but clearly he has not learned his lesson.”

Also on Friday,Trump suffered another blow over a separate investigation,this time relating to the January 6 Capitol attack in 2021. In the latest development,a judge in Washington rejected Trump’s bid to prevent ex-White House aides from testifying before a grand jury by claiming executive privilege.

This means that some of Trump’s former inner circle,such as chief of staff Mark Meadows,former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe,and former deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino could soon be called to give evidence against him.

The New York probe into hush money and the Department of Justice inquiry into January 6 are but two of the legal troubles Trump faces as he ramps up his 2024 presidential bid. In addition,he is also facing a Georgia-based investigation into election interference in that state;and another Justice Department investigation into the handling of classified documents.

As the walls appeared to be closing in last week,Trump put out a post flagging that he would be arrested on Tuesday and calling on supporters to protest “take our nation back”.

The pitch was chillingly reminiscent of his directive for supporters to “fight like hell” to stop Joe Biden’s victory from being certified,which led to the US Capitol attack.

Security was immediately beefed up around Manhattan in response to last week’s post,with scaffolding erected around Bragg’s office and the legal precinct in Manhattan,along with barricades outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.

Trump’s claim of an arrest did not eventuate,however,and the Grand Jury deliberating on the case has now been sent home for the weekend and will not return to meet until Monday,pushing the possibility of an indictment well into next week.

Manhattan has also been free from civil unrest over the past few days despite Trump’s call for people to take to the streets on his behalf. Lone protesters and small groups of demonstrators have come and gone,but have been vastly outnumbered by police,as well as the local and international media waiting for the grand jury’s decision.

Among the demonstrators this week was David Smith,who toldThe AgeandThe Sydney Morning Herald that he wasn’t there to support Trump but to protest against Democratic billionaire donor George Soros,who has helped fund progressive prosecutors such as Alvin Bragg.

Republicans,including Trump,often argue that Soros’ donations have contributed to rising crime in America because the prosecutors he endorses are generally proponents of criminal justice reform,which critics view as being “soft on crime.”

Smith,who stood outside the Manhattan Court with a sign saying “Google It:George Soros funds DA Bragg,” agreed.

“That’s the reason crime is so high in New York City is because district attorneys who think criminals are the good guys and need our mercy,” he said. “I don’t like Trump – but I hate this guy more.”

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