Donald Trump’s historic arraignment took place on April 4, 2023, when he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges. This was the first-ever criminal charge against any former U.S. President.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced a rally in New York City for Donald Trump’s arraignment on Tuesday.
Who stands with MTG? ✋ pic.twitter.com/afcT5wPpZo
— Belinda Wood 🍊🇺🇸 (@Belinda71555585) April 4, 2023
Trump’s arrest came after a hush money probe by District Attorney Alvin Bragg. During the Tuesday arraignment, it was revealed that his hush money charges were due to two undisclosed payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels and ex-playboy model Karen McDougal.
The payments were facilitated through Trump’s lawyer, Mr. Michal Cohen, to prevent any stories from going out about their alleged affairs.
The arraignment was presided over by New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Michael. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 felony charges, including the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to stop her from leaking their story.
The speculation is over. See what charges the former president is facing. Special live coverage of The Arrest and Arraignment of Donald Trump begins today at 12 p.m. ET on CNN pic.twitter.com/JQ25iHmzej
— CNN (@CNN) April 4, 2023
Trump is the first-ever U.S. President charged criminally for falsifying business records. It must be noted that although he paid back Cohen for the $130,000 payment, the payment was recorded as a legal fee made to the lawyer.
In the State of New York, falsifying business records is a felony. It means that Trump had committed a crime to cover up another crime.
While the former President is the first in U.S. history to be indicted on criminal charges, he will be free to continue his campaign for the 2024 Presidential election.
Trump’s indictment, which has already begun as a legal case, could escalate to a criminal case. The arraignment will now be followed by the prosecution turning over the evidence gathered to the defense.
During the arraignment, the prosecution announced that they were planning to reveal two batches of evidence to the defense within a week. The second batch of evidence, which comprises witness statements and subpoenas, will be disclosed by mid-June.
