Supporters gather outside Mar-a-Lago ahead of Donald Trump arraignment

PALM BEACH, Fla. – Supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered outside his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach this weekend following the news of his indictment.

Just outside the gates, Trump flags have been flying high in support of the Republican politician for days.

Supporters have been cheered on by honking as drivers made their way over the Southern Boulevard Bridge.

On Sunday, a protest was held within eyesight of Trump’s estate.

The support has come after Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Thursday after a probe into hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Attorney Joseph Tacopina, who is representing Trump, said on Friday that he was expecting the arraignment to be related to the “completely legal settlement agreement that was done years ago” with Daniels. Sources said he is looking at 30 counts related to business fraud.

“I am here to show solidarity and to show support primarily for our nation,” said Trump supporter John Skeadas.

Local politicians who support him like Rep. Carlos Gimenez told Local 10 News that the move sets a bad precedent.

But Democrats like Congresswoman Debbie Washerman Schultz say to just let the judicial process play out.

“Frankly, Donald Trump has more significant legal jeopardy in this case than a pending investigation that accuses him of stealing classified documents and another investigation that accuses him of causing the riot on Jan 6,” she said. “He is both entitled to the same court and not above the law.”

Trump supporters are hoping their message of support reaches the former President ahead of his trip to New York on Monday before appearing in his arraignment on Tuesday.

“He’s not quitting and so neither are we. It doesn’t matter,” said Trump supporter Rowena Frazel.

“If President Trump sees this interview, I want him to know that we respect him, we love him,” said Skedas.

His supporters are promising to back the former President no matter what.

“The whole issue with the indictment is just another step with them trying to intimidate and discourage the whole movement, so (we) decided to show our support for him and the whole MAGA movement,” said Frazel.

“I think it’s ludicrous,” said Skeadas. “I think it’s Trumped up. It has no basis in law and would only happen in New York, the most corrupt city in the country.”

It makes Trump the first former president to face criminal charges as he positions himself for another White House run in 2024.

He is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday in New York City but has yet to depart from South Florida. His plane remains on the tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport.

Trump is expected to address the media and his supporters on Tuesday night from Mar-a-Lago.


About the Authors:

Trent Kelly is an award-winning multimedia journalist who joined the Local 10 News team in June 2018. Trent is no stranger to Florida. Born in Tampa, he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he graduated with honors from the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

Cody Weddle joined Local 10 News as a full-time reporter in South Florida in August of 2022. Before that, Cody worked regularly with Local 10 since January of 2017 as a foreign correspondent in Venezuela and Colombia.