Donald Trump.Photo: Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty
Donald Trumppleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday to 34 felony counts of falsifying documents in connection with an alleged sex scheme cover-up said to involve porn star Stormy Daniels during his bid for presidency in 2016.
After a grand jury indicted him last week, the polarizing former president announced he would surrender to Manhattan authorities, avoiding a proper arrest involving handcuffs and a mug shot.
Here’s a complete timeline of his history-making day in court, including before and after the legal proceedings.
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10:30 a.m.: Marjorie Taylor Greene holds rally near Manhattan courthouse
Thecontroversial Georgia representativeand outspoken MAGA supporter headlined a pro-Trump rally outside the courthouse at Collect Pond Park ahead of the ex-president’s arraignment (also spotted was Trump ally Rep. George Santos).
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1 p.m.: Trump makes his way to the courthouse
Trump, 76, departed Trump Tower for Manhattan Criminal Court in a Black SUV. While en route to turn himself in to authorities, he noted his thoughts on his social media platform Truth Social, where he wrote, “WOW, they are going to ARREST ME,” according toCNN. “Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”
1:20 p.m.: Trump arrives at the Manhattan Criminal Court
Trump turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon. He surrendered at the Manhattan Criminal Court Tuesday, which was cleared out ahead of his arrival.
Upon arrival, the former president, who is actively campaigning for another term, was fingerprinted and escorted to the courtroom “with a grim expression on his face,” according toThe New York Times,to be arraigned on charges that reportedly stem from the alleged $130,000 hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
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2:15 p.m.: Trump’s arraignment begins
Trump officially became the first former or sitting president in U.S. history to answer to criminal charges. Seated alongside his attorney Joe Tacopina, Trump periodically took notes, reports say.
2:45 p.m.: Trump pleads not guilty to 34 charges of falsifying documents
Trump addressed New York Judge Juan Mercan himself and entered a plea of not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying documents in an alleged sex scandal cover-up, according to theTimes.
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4:20 p.m.: Manhattan D.A. gives remarks outside of courthouse after arraignment
4:25 p.m.: Trump departs for Florida
The former president departed Queens to head back home to Florida, where he will speak more on the day’s events.
8 p.m.: Trump Mar-a-Lago speech
Trump will begin remarks at a planned Mar-a-Lago event, where he will likely aim to capitalize on the charges andraise moneyfor his 2024 presidential campaign.
source: people.com
