A grand jury in New York has indicted former US President Donald Trump. It is the first time a former president has faced criminal charges.

Trump's lawyers say they were informed of the indictment on Thursday.

An adult film actress who said she had an affair with Trump had tried to sell her story to the press. Prosecutors have been investigating hush money paid to her during his 2016 campaign.

Trump had already announced he will run again in the presidential election next year. The Constitution does not bar people with criminal records from holding office.

After the indictment was announced, Trump issued a statement accusing Democrats of "political persecution." He said they are "weaponizing" the justice system to punish an opponent.

Still, his legal problems extend into several other investigations. State officials in Georgia say he pressured them to "find" enough votes to overturn the 2020 presidential election, which he lost.