Donald and Melania Trump were taken aback by the former president's indictment on approximately 30 counts last week, despite being aware of potential criminal charges on the horizon in Manhattan, the PEOPLE reported, citing sources. One political insider stated, "Melania and Donald were both shocked when they were told. They weren't expecting it, but Melania will support him. That's what she does. They are a family."

Following the indictment, the Trumps continued to live life as usual at their Mar-a-Lago Club residence in Palm Beach. The couple dined with a group of individuals the night after the indictment was issued, and they seemed unfazed, according to a Palm Beach source. "Like usual, drama swirls around them, and they wade through it. It's part of their lives," the source said.

Melania is said to be upset and angry about the indictment, which is connected to an alleged hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. However, she is not devastated and, like her husband, is more surprised. Meanwhile, Donald finds comfort in the numerous supporters who offer him thumbs-up signs in the halls and on the golf course at his private club. "They think it's a political witch hunt and nothing will change their minds," noted a social source. "Even though nobody knows what is in the sealed indictment, their minds are made up."

Supporters have been gathering with pro-Trump signs on the road from West Palm Beach to Mar-a-Lago for days. "People showing their support for Donald make him feel that he will be fine and that this is a witch hunt," commented another social and political source close to Trump.

In moments of self-assurance, Donald believes the indictment will cast him as a victim. A political source disclosed to PEOPLE, "Donald continues to use the indictment as a way to gain prominence in his attempts to be the GOP nominee again... but is he worried? Very much so. He doesn't think he can get a fair trial in New York and is already blasting the judge who he said hates his company."

Dave Aronberg, Palm Beach County State Attorney and former Florida State Senate member, also suspects that Donald did not anticipate the indictment. "Trump is surrounded by yes men," Aronberg told PEOPLE. "He even praised the Manhattan grand jury members on social media before this came down Thursday."

Aronberg suggests that Donald is feeling a mix of emotions, having been the subject of multiple investigations over the years but never facing charges. "Trump for years has avoided criminal charges despite frequent scrutiny in gray areas," Aronberg said. "Now he is experiencing a swirl of emotions — nervous, defiant, angry."

Donald was seen boarding a private flight to New York on Monday, confirming that he would surrender to authorities in the case. His attorneys say he will appear in court on Tuesday. Aronberg mentioned a recent comment by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 presidential race competitor, as a possible reason for Trump's decision. "Trump doesn't want Ron DeSantis to look strong if he should assist in an extradition," he said.

In response to recent speculation, a spokesperson for the former president warned PEOPLE, "anyone who talks about President Trump's mood has no idea what they're talking about and are simply lying to make it seem like they know what's going on." They added, "In fact, they are on the outside looking in, quite sad."