Trump Appears in Court, Denies All 34 Charges... Claims Innocence

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was indicted on so-called 'hush money' allegations related to sexual relations, pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges, including bookkeeping manipulation and election law violations, at a Manhattan court in New York on the afternoon of the 4th (local time).

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Local media outlets, including CNN and ABC, reported that former President Trump denied all 34 felony charges against him during the arraignment procedure held at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York that day. Additionally, Trump's legal team stated that they object to these charges. The arraignment procedure, in which the court informs Trump of the charges and confirms whether he admits or denies the allegations, is still ongoing. Earlier, the Manhattan grand jury indicted former President Trump on the 30th of last month on charges of manipulating accounting documents while handing over money to cover up a sexual scandal with an adult film actress.

As this is the first case of a former president being indicted in history, many broadcasters, including ABC, showed intense interest by live broadcasting Trump's movement to the courthouse that day. Former President Trump departed from the Trump Tower penthouse around 1 p.m. and headed to the courthouse in lower Manhattan. Around 1:40 p.m., he entered the building under the protection of Secret Service (SS) agents, underwent procedures such as fingerprinting at the district attorney's office, and then entered the court around 2:30 p.m.

During this process, he did not make any separate statements or respond to reporters' questions. Trump's expression, captured on the broadcast screen, appeared somewhat somber. Before arriving at the courthouse, he posted on his social media platform Social Truth, "Heading to the courthouse in lower Manhattan. So surreal," adding, "They will arrest me. I can't believe this is happening in America. MAGA!"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Trump's legal team stated that after the arraignment procedure, former President Trump might make a brief statement in the hallway outside the courtroom. Afterwards, Trump will return to Florida and deliver a speech at the Mar-a-Lago resort starting at 8:15 p.m. that evening. At this event, he is expected to deny the charges against him, label the indictment as "political persecution" and a "witch hunt," and call on his supporters to rally.

Prior to his court appearance, Trump's team also raised the need to change the trial venue. Through Truth Social, he claimed, "Manhattan is a very biased area where the Republican vote share is only about 1% in some districts," and argued, "The trial should be held in Staten Island, which is a very fair and safe area near Manhattan." Staten Island is considered the most conservative of New York City's five boroughs. This statement is interpreted as reflecting the judgment that holding the trial at the Manhattan courthouse, where Democratic support is overwhelming, would be disadvantageous in jury selection and other aspects.