Donald Trump on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to 34 criminal charges. The immediate past president of the United States has been charged with crimes stemming from hush money allegedly paid to a porn star. Further, all this happened before the 2016 election.
The 76-year-old Republican became the first American president to be arrested on criminal charges. This was at the historic court hearing in New York. Also, Donald made his way to the courtroom without a word to the press.
Now, this hearing marked a watershed moment for the US criminal and political systems. It has the potential to upend the 2024 White House race, in which Trump is currently the leading Republican nominee.
Furthermore, police lined the streets while helicopters buzzed in the skies while Trump’s motorcade made the short drive to court. This journey has received wall-to-wall live coverage on US networks.
Besides, Trump was not subjected to a “perp walk,” in which a defendant is escorted in handcuffs past media cameras. It was a field day as supporters and rivals were in attendance outside the court. The anti-Trump camp unfurled a large banner reading “Trump lies all the time” and chanted “Lock him up!” Then, Trump fans waved a flag with the slogan “Trump or Death.”
Meanwhile, the White House on Tuesday said the arraignment was not a focus for President Joe Biden. The president had a meeting with advisors on emerging artificial intelligence technology.