Almost immediately after its release, Donald Trump’s mugshot from his Georgia indictment made its way to every corner of the internet. Social media has been flooded with the picture and its seemingly infinite number of amusing variations. Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) in particular have seen their user bases take thorough enjoyment in the photo’s existence, digitally altering it and posting it onto the platforms for comedic effect. The number of profile pictures of the mugshot or some variation thereof is comically large. Needless to say, the image has been completely unavoidable.
On August 14, Donald Trump and 18 of his allies were indicted in Georgia over their efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. This was the fourth time Trump has been formally charged in a four-and-a-half month span, and this was his second time being charged with election interference. The 98-page indictment accuses Trump and his team of dozens of different offenses, including soliciting a public officer to violate his oath, conspiracy to commit forgery, and making false statements and filings. They also face racketeering charges—charges concerning illegal business operations, often involving coercion and fraud—under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The case is led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who also notably leads the ongoing case against Atlanta rapper Young Thug.
The infamous hour-long phone call made by Trump on January 2, 2021 to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has become the most important piece of evidence in this case and by far the most discussed. During the call, Trump urges Raffensperger to “find” 11,780 votes, just enough to overturn the election results in the decisive swing-state.
Trump and his 18 co-defendants were given until August 25 to turn themselves in to Fulton County Jail, an order which they all abided by. In the days prior to the deadline, the members of the team slowly trickled into Georgia and handed themselves over to authorities. Trump himself landed in Fulton County and was taken into custody on August 24. He had his height, weight, and other identifying features recorded, and the infamous mugshot was subsequently taken. After a mere 20 minutes, his $200,000 bail agreement was met and he promptly boarded his jet to return home. All but one of Trump’s allies were bailed out and released from custody within hours of their arrest. As of writing this article, it is unclear when he will appear before court for the proceedings of the trial.