The former US president was indicted by a New York grand jury, the district attorney confirmed Thursday.
But a defiant Trump addressed the charges in a recently released pre-recorded campaign fundraising video, hours before he was seen relaxing with one of his favorite pastimes.
“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 it scares them beyond belief.”
The message came hours before Trump was seen greeting supporters outside his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday afternoon (GMT-4).
US correspondent for 9News Jonathan Kearsley said Trump spent most of the day at the club.
“He came out a short time ago sitting in the back of his car. He seemed to be waving and saying the words ‘thank you,'” Kearsley said.
“Trump’s staff came out brandishing MAGA-related hats and merchandise, handing them out like popsicles to the supporters who had gathered here.
“Clearly the former president is trying to show that he has a lot of support with him, but this is going to be a long and bumpy legal road for him.”
The Manhattan district attorney’s office has been investigating Trump in connection with his alleged role in a cover-up and secret payment scheme involving adult film star Stormy Daniels dating from the 2016 presidential election.
It is scheduled to be processed on Tuesday.
The planned surrender will mark the beginning of the unprecedented scenario of a former US commander in chief being arrested and prosecuted.
