In the midst of facing a potential $200,000 bond upon his impending surrender for his fourth indictment, former President Donald Trump decided to lighten the atmosphere with a touch of sarcasm, jesting about possibly paying a visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin instead.
The charges, which were levied against Trump and his co-defendants on August 14, accuse them of attempting to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election. They were granted until noon on Friday to present themselves for booking.
Using his Truth Social platform, Trump playfully poked fun at Fulton County DA Fani Willis for setting his bail at $200,000. With a wink at his supposed camaraderie with Putin and the allegations of Russian collusion, he quipped, “The failed District Attorney of Fulton County (Atlanta), Fani Willis, insisted on a $200,000 Bond from me. I assume, therefore, that she thought I was a ‘flight’ risk – I’d fly far away, maybe to Russia, Russia, Russia, share a gold domed suite with Vladimir, never to be seen or heard from again.”
In the midst of the banter, Trump wondered aloud about the logistics of flying his “understated” airplane adorned with the unmistakable “TRUMP” logo. He mused whether it would be wiser to opt for commercial travel, speculating that his celebrity might go unrecognized.
Confirming his intention to surrender on Thursday at Fulton County jail in Atlanta, Trump’s legal team was spotted entering Willis’ office. Security measures around the jailhouse were visibly heightened.
Despite his high-profile status, authorities made it clear that Trump will not receive preferential treatment. Just like any other suspect, he will undergo fingerprinting and might even be subjected to a mugshot.
While the jail itself is infamous for its poor conditions, Trump will not be held there during the trial. This particular facility has drawn the attention of the Department of Justice due to concerning incidents.
In a complex case involving multiple co-defendants, it’s expected that negotiations over release terms and bond will take place before the actual booking at the county jail. Subsequently, it could be more than a week before they formally enter their pleas in court.
Among the first details to emerge about Trump’s bond, the ‘consent bond order’ specifies that he must refrain from actions that might intimidate co-defendants or witnesses. This includes avoiding any social media posts that could be construed as such.
Prior to the bond agreement, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to criticize Governor Brian Kemp for not impeaching Willis. His comments have raised concerns about the possibility of violating the terms of his release in other cases due to his “inflammatory statements.”
Trump has consistently voiced his discontent with the “biased and unfair” judge overseeing the federal case against him. He’s also taken swipes at prosecutors and witnesses.
Meanwhile, lawyer John Eastman, charged with his alleged involvement in a fake elector scheme, agreed to a $100,000 bond. Scott Graham Hall, accused of commandeering voting information, reached a $10,000 bond agreement.
Trump’s fourth indictment, which was issued in April, paints a detailed picture of his alleged efforts to sway Georgia’s 2020 election. The charges include urging Georgia’s secretary of state to uncover additional votes and an alleged plot to tamper with voting machines to manipulate data.
Fani Willis, the Fulton County DA, is pushing for a speedy trial, suggesting a start date of March 4. However, this timeline is expected to encounter opposition from Trump and other defendants.