Former U.S. President, Donald Trump, has pleaded not guilty Tuesday to criminal charges stemming from hush-money paid to a porn star before the 2016 election, at a historic court hearing in New York.
The 76-year-old Republican former president faces dozens of counts in the case, which threatens to upend the 2024 White House race.
Trump turned himself in earlier for the court hearing held amid tight security and a global media frenzy, as the Republican billionaire becomes the first American president in history to face criminal charges.
In a spectacle playing out on live television, with rival protesters rallying outside, the hearing marks a watershed moment for the US criminal and political system.
“Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME,” Trump posted on his Truth Social app as he headed to the courthouse from Trump Tower, where he spent the night after flying from Florida.
“Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”
Trump waved at supporters after leaving his car before walking into the complex under US Secret Service protection. He was not subjected to a “perp walk” — in which a defendant is escorted in handcuffs past media cameras.
