As per reports, former US President Donald Trump did not have his mug shot taken when he turned himself in at a Manhattan courthouse. Trump’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, confirmed this news to the media. However, the former president’s 2024 presidential campaign is now fundraising off a facsimile of a mug shot.

In a recent email, Trump’s campaign sent out a T-shirt with a black-and-white photo of Trump from the shoulders up and the date of his supposed arrest. The shirt reads “NOT GUILTY” under the photo. It is important to note that even if Trump had his mug shot taken, New York bans law enforcement from releasing most mug shots publicly.

Richard Esposito, a CBS News consultant and former deputy commissioner of the New York City Police Department, stated that it is uncommon for someone not to have their mug shot taken. He said, “In fact, you might be hard pressed to find a past case like this in Manhattan.” Several theories suggest why Trump’s mug shot wasn’t taken, including the possibility that a leaked photo could provide both Trump’s campaign and his opponents with ammunition.

Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer, who represents the former president in other legal matters, told CNN that Trump shouldn’t need to take a mug shot because “he’s the most recognized face in the world, let alone the country, right now.” She added, “Mug shots are for people so that you recognize who they are.”

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Trump, who denies any wrongdoing, was indicted by a grand jury on 34 counts of falsifying records in the first degree. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office was investigating Trump for allegedly falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 “hush money” payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

It is worth noting that Trump’s campaign’s use of a fake mugshot to raise funds for his 2024 presidential campaign is not unprecedented. Several politicians have used similar tactics in the past to attract supporters and garner donations. However, it is unusual for a former president to engage in such activities.

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In conclusion, Trump’s lack of a real mug shot has not stopped his campaign from using a facsimile to raise funds. This development is likely to be controversial, given that it is unusual for a former president to use such tactics. However, it remains to be seen whether this campaign will succeed in raising funds or if it will have any impact on Trump’s political future.