Trump pleads ‘not guilty’ to 34 felony charges in court appearance

Former US President Donald Trump pleaded ‘not guilty’ to 34 criminal counts against him in a Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, CNN reported citing sources. The inquiry into Trump began with a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to conceal an alleged affair that he has repeatedly denied. According to CNN, which cited sources, the indictment returned by a grand jury last week against Trump has been unsealed.

When Trump was arraigned Tuesday, he became the first former president to face criminal charges. He had already surrendered to authorities at a court in Lower Manhattan before his arraignment.

As he arrived at the Lower Manhattan court, Trump posted a cryptic post that the experience is “SURREAL,” adding, “WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America.”

Trump, who is competing for the Republican presidential nomination next year, has denied any wrongdoing and termed the investigation and indictment a politicized attack. Bragg is a registered Democrat.

On Friday, a team of Secret Service personnel and New York Police Department officials examined the courthouse and its entrances, evidently mapping the former president’s movements through it.
According to ABC News, the FBI is informing local and state police departments across the country about fears about a possible Trump indictment, and New York City officials intend to close critical roadways in lower Manhattan as a security precaution.