DONALD Trump, today pleaded not guilty 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, with the potential to upend the 2024 White House race in which Trump is currently the leading Republican nominee.
“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!”
