A first in US history: a former US president is appearing in court on Tuesday to face criminal charges. Trump has hoped the drama around the trial will energize his supporters as he makes a second run for the White House.
Former US President Donald Trump appeared in court on Tuesday where he was formally charged in a criminal case related to hush payments from 2016.
Trump waved at supporters as he arrived before entering the Manhatten District attorney's office where he was formally placed under arrest.
After being processed by prosecutors, he was taken to the courtroom to face Judge Juan Merchan where he pleaded not guilty to all 34 felony counts which include falsifying business records.
His arraignment marks a first in US history — no other president has ever been indicted. Although Trump was impeached twice as president, he had not faced criminal charges.
A motorcade of secret security and police accompanied the former president as he headed to the courthouse from Trump Tower in New York City.
"Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME," the 76-year-old wrote on his own social media platform Truth Social on his way to the court.
