NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears in a Manhattan court during his arraignment on April 4, 2023, in New York City. Trump was arraigned during his first court appearance today following an indictment by a grand jury that heard evidence about money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. With the indictment, Trump becomes the first former U.S. president in history to be charged with a criminal offense. (Photo by Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday after being taken into police custody at the Manhattan district attorney’s office for his arraignment in court, CNN reports, making him the first current or former U.S. president in the nation’s history to face criminal charges.
As a part of the arrest, Trump is expected to be fingerprinted, though it remains unclear whether his mugshot will be taken. However, Trump privately expressed an interest in having his mugshot taken, according to two sources close to the matter.
He will then be arraigned in a New York City courtroom, which reportedly is expected to be a quick and routine process.
Trump is also not expected to be handcuffed following his arrest and will remain under constant law enforcement protection.
After being officially indicted by a grand jury last week, Trump responded to the charges that he was allegedly involved in a hush-money scheme during his 2016 presidential campaign after being hit with a 34-count indictment in the Stormy Daniels case.
Trump called the indictment “political persecution” and accused Democrats of being “crooked.”
However, he and his legal team appear optimistic about today’s arraignment in regard to his 2024 presidential campaign, having boasted about fundraising upwards of $8 million in the last four days alone.
Trump has also reportedly considered merchandising options, according to CNN.
He has maintained his innocence of any wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a politically-motivated witch hunt led by Democratic Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and current President Joe Biden.
“I believe this Witch-Hunt will backfire massively on Joe Biden,” the former president said. “The American people realize exactly what the Radical Left Democrats are doing here. Everyone can see it. So our Movement, and our Party – united and strong – will first defeat Alvin Bragg, and then we will defeat Joe Biden, and we are going to throw every last one of these Crooked Democrats out of office so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This is a developing story. Be sure to check back in with The Shade Room for more updates as they come.
