Donald Trump was seen exiting a New York court on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to 34 criminal counts resulting from hush money payments made to an adult movie star prior to the 2016 election.
Just over two hours after arriving at the Manhattan court complex for the historic hearing, Trump was seen leaving the building and making his way to a waiting motorcade.
The 76-year-old Republican former president is charged with dozens of charges in the case, which threatens to derail the 2024 presidential election.
Trump surrendered earlier for the court hearing, which was held amid tight security and a global media frenzy, as the Republican tycoon became the first American president in history to face criminal charges.
The hearing, which is being broadcast live on television, represents a watershed moment for the US criminal and political systems, with the potential to upend the 2024 White House race, in which Trump is presently the leading Republican nominee.
“Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME,” Trump tweeted as he walked to the courtroom from Trump Tower, where he had spent the night after flying from Florida.
“It’s hard to believe this is happening in America.” MAGA!”
The twice-impeached Republican is the first serving or former American president to face criminal charges, ushering the country into uncharted political territory.
Police lined the streets and helicopters buzzed overhead as Trump’s motorcade made the short trip to court. The journey was live streamed on US networks, but cameras were not permitted during the case.
Trump waved to fans as he exited his car and entered the complex, which was guarded by the US Secret Service. He was not exposed to a “perp walk,” in which a defendant in handcuffs is escorted past media cameras.
The former president was scheduled to be fingerprinted — and possibly photographed, which would result in an all-time famous mug picture — at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
He will then learn what charges he faces at his arraignment, which is set to begin at 2:15 p.m. (1615 GMT). According to his lawyers, Trump was scheduled to enter a not guilty plea on all charges.
Trump claims he is the victim of “political persecution,” but he is also using the court case to energize his supporters and raise millions of dollars for his re-election campaign.
One of his attorneys informed CNN that he intends to talk to reporters as he walks through the hallways toward court.
“THE RADICAL LEFT DEMOCRATS HAVE CRIMINALIZED THE JUSTICE SYSTEM,” Trump posted hours before the hearing, branding the proceedings a “kangaroo court.”
Hundreds of people congregated outside the venue, including Trump supporters, anti-Trump demonstrators, journalists, and curious bystanders.
Police intervened as supporters of Trump shouted slurs at counter-protesters while wearing “MAGA” hats and attire emblazoned with the American flag.
The anti-Trump camp waved a huge banner that read “Trump lies all the time” and chanted “Lock him up!” while Trump supporters waved a flag that read “Trump or Death.”
During the arraignment, which is anticipated to last about 15 minutes, approximately 30 counts, including at least one felony, are scheduled to be unsealed.
Following that, Trump is scheduled to return to Florida, where he will give an evening speech.
$130,000 Payment
A grand jury indicted Trump last week in the case filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, an elected Democrat.
The charges stem from an inquiry into a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just days before Trump’s election victory.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and aide who has turned against his ex-boss, claims he arranged the payment to Daniels in return for her silence about a 2006 tryst she claims she had with Trump.
Trump disputes the affair, despite the fact that his third wife, Melania, had just given birth at the time.
Legal experts have suggested that if the payment is not correctly accounted for, it could result in charges for falsifying business records, potentially to cover up a campaign finance violation.
Trump is the subject of a number of distinct criminal investigations at the state and federal levels, which could lead to additional — and more serious — charges between now and Election Day.
They include his attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, his handling of classified documents, and his potential involvement in the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol.
President Joe Biden, fearful that anything he says will fuel Trump’s assertion of a politically “weaponized” court system, is one of the few Democrats remaining silent on the indictment of his rival.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would “catch part of the news when he has a moment,” but insisted: “This is not something that’s a focus for him.”
Meanwhile, Republicans have generally rallied behind Trump, including his presidential primary opponent, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who called the indictment “un-American.”
