Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts. He said so Tuesday night at Mar-a-Lago at his South Florida estate. The former president had just returned to Florida from New York, where a hearing was held on Tuesday afternoon that marked the start of the first-ever criminal trial of a US president.
“This is election interference,” Trump told supporters. – I never thought something like this could happen in America. The only crime I have committed has been the fearless defense of our country against those who seek to destroy it.
This afternoon, Trump spent about an hour in a Manhattan courtroom where he voluntarily appeared to stand trial for paying money to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016.
Trump has denied all charges, pleading not guilty. He was released without any restrictions.
In a post on his Truth Social on his way back to Florida, Trump confirmed he would deliver a speech at 8:15 p.m. local time and called the hearing “shocking.”
“Virtually every legal expert says it doesn’t matter,” he wrote. “Nothing illegal was done.”
The ex-president is accused of falsifying business documents, including those allegedly used for tax purposes.
Judge Juan Mercan said the trial could potentially start as early as January – a month before the start of the presidential primaries – although Trump’s lawyers want the trial to be postponed until next spring.
“Today, we reaffirm our solemn obligation to ensure that all are equal before the law,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat who has faced harsh attacks, told reporters. of Trump and his family.
Twice impeached Republican Donald Trump has become the first current or former US president to face criminal charges.
Police lined the streets and helicopters whistled overhead as Trump’s motorcade made its way to court. This trip was covered live on television, although cameramen were not allowed to attend the hearing itself.
Trump claims he is facing “political persecution” while using the process to galvanize supporters and raise millions for his new presidential bid.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse. Pro-Trump protesters wearing MAGA caps and clothing emblazoned with the American flag shouted insults at their opponents.
The anti-Trump camp unfurled banners reading “Trump lies all the time” and chanted “Stop him!”
Trump fans waved “Trump or die” flags.
While Republicans largely rallied behind Trump, President Joe Biden, mindful of Trump’s accusations that the justice system is becoming a political “weapon”, refrained from blaming his former rival.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would “watch the news when he has a minute to spare.” According to Jean-Pierre, Trump’s trial does not interest the current head of state.
