Trump first ex-president to be indicted —though Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for speeding in 1872
Former President Donald Trump will be the first ex-president to be indicted in the United States since Ulysses S. Grant, who was arrested for speeding in 1872.
Trump is facing the unprecedented legal jeopardy after being charged with inciting an insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. He is the first president in American history to be impeached twice, and the first to face criminal charges after leaving office.
Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was arrested in 1872 for speeding in a horse-drawn carriage in Virgina. The charges were later dropped, but the incident served as a reminder that no one is above the law.
The Trump case has sparked a heated debate about whether the former president should be held accountable for his actions. Many argue that if Trump is allowed to walk away from his alleged crimes, he would be setting a dangerous precedent that future presidents could follow.
The Justice Department is currently investigating several potential charges against Trump, including incitement of insurrection, obstruction of justice, and abuse of power. If convicted, Trump could potentially face up to 10 years in prison.
The indictment of a former president is highly unusual, but not unprecedented. In 1876, President Andrew Johnson was impeached on charges of violating the Tenure of Office Act. Johnson was ultimately acquitted and remained in office.
Trump's legal troubles are not limited to the criminal investigation. He is also facing civil lawsuits, including one from the District of Columbia alleging that he incited the riot at the Capitol. The lawsuit is seeking more than $2 billion in damages.
It remains to be seen how the criminal and civil cases against Trump will be resolved. But one thing is certain: if Trump is indicted, he will be the first ex-president to face criminal charges since Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for speeding in 1872.
