The former US president was indicted by a New York grand jury, the district attorney confirmed on Thursday.
But a defiant Trump tackled the charges in a newly-released pre-recorded campaign fundraising video, hours before he was spotted unwinding with one of his favourite pastimes.
“We are officially a third world country. No president in the history of our country has been subjected to such vicious and disgusting attacks,” Trump said in the video message.
“But they only attack me because I fight for you.
“It’s very simple. They can’t buy me and they can’t control me and that scares them beyond belief.”
The message came hours before Trump was spotted waving to supporters outside his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday afternoon (GMT-4).
9News US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley said Trump spent most of his day at the club.
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“He drove out a out a short time ago sitting in the back of his car. He appeared to be waving and mouthing the words, ‘thank you’,” Kearsley said.
“Trump staff came out brandishing MAGA-related hats, merchandise, palming them out like they were lollies to supporters who had been gathered here.
“Clearly the former president trying to show he has plenty of support with him but this is going to be a long and legal bumpy road for him.”
The Manhattan district attorney’s office has been investigating Trump 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.
Though the indictment – which has been filed under seal – has yet to be unveiled, the investigation relates to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
He is set to be arraigned on Tuesday.
The planned surrender will usher in the unprecedented scenario of a former US commander-in-chief being arrested and arraigned.
