President Trump Pleads Not Guilty

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to an adult film star during his 2016 campaign.

The arraignment, held in a lower Manhattan courtroom, marked a historic moment as Trump became the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal prosecution.

During the arraignment, Trump was warned by Judge Juan Merchan to avoid using rhetoric that could cause civil unrest, though Trump spoke only a few times to respond to questions.

He entered a plea of not guilty and was advised of his rights by the judge.

Following the arraignment, Trump left the courtroom without commenting, The Associated Press notes.

He is next due in court in December, but his lawyers have asked for him to be excused from attending the hearing in person due to security concerns.

Two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter confirmed the plea on condition of anonymity because prosecutors had not yet released the indictment publicly.

On his way to the courthouse, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, “Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”

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