Former President Donald Trump speaks at an election campaign event on Jan. 28, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has been investigating the former president in connection with his alleged role in a hush money payment scheme and cover-up involving adult film star Stormy Daniels that dates to the 2016 presidential election.

New York court officials have confirmed that former President Donald Trump will be arraigned on Tuesday at Manhattan courthouse.

Trump's defense lawyer Joe Tacopina told NBC News that Trump would plead not guilty and there was "zero" chance he would accept a plea deal.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg led the inquiry which has spanned nearly five years, centers on a 130,000 USD payment to the porn star, Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump. The payment was made in the final days of the presidential campaign in 2016.

Former President Donald Trump on Friday claimed Manhattan indictment as "witch hunts". On Thursday, he defined the New York state grand jury indictment announcement as “political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history.”