Hush money case: grand jury fails to meet, verdict on Donald Trump postponed

The drama surrounding Donald Trump's possible indictment over hush money paid to a porn star took a new twist Wednesday, after a New York grand jury failed to convene as expected -- pushing back a decision, potentially into next week.

Speculation that a historic indictment of a former president may be imminent has been building ever since Trump himself announced he was expecting to be arrested.

But Wednesday's grand jury session was called off, unnamed law enforcement officials told multiple US outlets, without giving a reason. The New York Times reported that such interruptions are not unusual.

With barricades outside Trump Tower and police on high alert, New York has been holding its breath over an expected indictment for days -- with tension peaking on Tuesday, the day Trump said he would be arrested. He wasn't.

The jury panel usually meets on Thursdays too but Insider, which broke the news of the canceled meeting, quoted one source as saying it may not gather again this week, meaning the earliest a decision might come is Monday.

The 76-year-old Republican would become the first former or sitting president to ever be charged with a crime if the panel eventually votes to indict.

The unprecedented move would send shockwaves through the 2024 election campaign, in which Trump is running to regain office.

It would also raise the prospect of a former leader of the free world being arrested, booked, fingerprinted and possibly handcuffed.