Former President Donald Trump has made his first post on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, since his suspension in January 2021. The post consists of a picture of his mugshot with the words “ELECTION INTERFERENCE” and “NEVER SURRENDER!” written above it. Trump, who was a prolific Twitter user during his presidency, had previously invested in the alternative platform Truth Social. The mugshot post was also shared on Truth Social.
In the ongoing Georgia election interference case, Trump has been booked and released, but he has not yet been arraigned on his 13 criminal counts. Atlanta DA Fani Willis has suggested that the arraignments take place during the week of Sept. 5. Trump’s attorney plans to fight for a later trial date and to sever his case from co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows also has a hearing scheduled in U.S. District Court in Atlanta regarding the transfer of the case to federal court.
After being booked and heading back to New Jersey, Trump began using his mugshot to raise funds for his campaign. He sent a “personal note” to his backers featuring his mugshot and claiming that his arrest was a “travesty of justice and election interference.” Meanwhile, Trump’s plane departed Atlanta, and extra security measures around the Fulton County Jail, where he surrendered, will remain in place. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office expects seven more co-defendants to surrender before Friday’s deadline. Additionally, a bomb threat was made at the courthouse where Trump’s trial is expected to be held.
Trump’s mugshot has been released by authorities, making it the first-ever mugshot of a former U.S. president to be made public. Trump maintains his innocence and defends his election schemes as he departs Atlanta, claiming that he was the victim of election interference. His mugshot is expected to be a powerful fundraising tool for his campaign and to help cover his legal fees. Trump weighs nearly 30 pounds less than his final White House physical report, according to Fulton County jail records.