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Trump Pleads NOT GUILTY to 34 Felony Counts In Court Case

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New York (AP) – Ex-President Donald Trump entered a not guilty plea to 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records, as reported by various news outlets. On Tuesday, during a brief arraignment in a lower Manhattan courtroom, the grand jury indictment was unveiled.

 

On Tuesday, Trump surrendered to authorities at a Manhattan courthouse before his arraignment on criminal charges linked to a hush money payment made to an adult film actor during his 2016 campaign. The former president described the experience as “SURREAL” while traveling from Trump Tower to a lower Manhattan courtroom, where he would face a judge as the first former president in U.S. history to be criminally prosecuted.

Trump entered the courtroom, showing no emotion, just before 2:30 p.m. without making any remarks. Though anticipated to be brief and procedural, the arraignment signifies a significant turning point for Trump, following years of investigations into his personal, business, and political affairs. The case is unfolding not only during his third White House campaign but also amidst other investigations in Washington and Atlanta that may result in additional charges.

 

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the former president wrote, “Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL – WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”

The booking and appearance before Judge Juan Merchan are expected to be relatively brief, but far from ordinary. Trump will be informed of the charges against him for the first time. His lawyers have stated that he will plead not guilty, and Trump is expected to enter the plea himself, as is customary in court. Judge Merchan has decided not to permit TV cameras in the courtroom.

 

 

At around 3:30PM the indictment was unsealed and made public.

Prosecutors claim that Trump participated in an illegal scheme to conceal damaging information, including an unauthorized payment of $130,000 that he directed to suppress information that could harm his campaign.

The indictment alleges that the crime of falsifying business records was committed, in part, to “promote his candidacy.”

 

This marks the first opportunity for Trump and his legal team to fully review the charges against him and understand what prosecutors must demonstrate during the trial.

Trump maintains his innocence and his attorneys have declared their intent to fight for the dismissal of the charges.

 

Trump is set to return to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday evening, where he will deliver a speech. At least 500 prominent supporters have been invited, with several staunchly pro-Trump congressional Republicans expected to be in attendance. It is important to note that a conviction would not preclude Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.