Trump’s arraignment not Joe Biden’s focus: White House

The arraignment of former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will “certainly” make headlines, but it will not be current Vice President Joe Biden’s “priority,” according to the White House.

In response to a query on Trump’s arraignment, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated,  “So first, I have to say this, it’s an ongoing case, so we’re just not going to comment on the case specifically itself…Look, the president’s going to focus on the American people like he does every day. This is not something that is a focus for him. He is going to focus on things like making sure we continue to lower prices for the American people.”

“Of course, this is playing out on many of the networks here daily for hours and hours, so obviously, he will catch part of the news when he has a moment to catch up on the news of the day, but this is not his focus for today,” she said.

According to CNN, Biden will meet with his Council of Advisors on Science and Technology today afternoon to discuss artificial intelligence as former President Trump gets arraigned in Manhattan.

Meanwhile, Trump has pled not guilty to 34 criminal charges in a Manhattan court after hearing the charges, according to CNN, citing sources. Trump is facing criminal charges for his alleged role in a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign to conceal an alleged romance with Daniels, which he has repeatedly denied. 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.”

According to CNN, Trump will be fingerprinted as part of his arrest, however, it’s unclear whether his mugshot will be taken. He will then be taken to a courthouse to be arraigned, which is expected to be a fast and routine appearance but symbolizes a bizarre and historic moment in US history.

CNN reported that Donald Trump landed at New York’s La Guardia Airport on Monday, ahead of his expected arraignment in a Manhattan courthouse. After meeting Trump in New York, Alina Habba, who represents him in many civil proceedings, stated, “He’s in good spirits. Honestly, he’s as he normally would be. He’s ready to go in and do what he needs to do.”

Trump, who is competing for the Republican presidential nomination next year, has denied any wrongdoing and termed the investigation and indictment a politicised 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.