Former President Donald Trump surrendered to authorities Tuesday at a Manhattan courthouse ahead of his arraignment.
He pleaded not guilty to the 34 class E felony charges of falsifying business records brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Even if convicted, it would be very unlikely Trump would face any prison time.
You can read the entire indictment here.
There was no gag order proposed, CBS News reported. However, there was a “warning” about social media posts given to Trump by the judge about “inciting violence.” The judge said he’d consider opening future proceedings to the media.
Trump himself described the experience as “SURREAL” as he traveled from Trump Tower to a lower Manhattan courtroom.
President Trump posted this on Truth as he was being driven to a courthouse in Manhattan:
"WOW, the are going to ARREST ME. Can't believe this is happening in America. MAGA." pic.twitter.com/rpHsFcszPh
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) April 4, 2023
Trump’s next move is to head back to Florida and hold a campaign rally tonight, where he’ll no doubt address the charges.
At least 500 prominent supporters have been invited, with some of the most pro-Trump congressional Republicans expected to attend.
A stone-faced Trump entered the courtroom shortly before 2:30 p.m. without saying anything.
Wearing his signature dark suit and red tie, Trump turned and waved to crowds outside the building before heading inside to be fingerprinted and processed. He arrived at court in an eight-car motorcade from Trump Tower, communicating in real time his anger at the process.
The arraignment, though expected to be brief and procedural in nature, amounts to a remarkable turn for Trump and an unprecedented twist in the 2024 presidential campaign.
And the case is unfolding against the backdrop not only of his third campaign for the White House but also against other investigations in Washington and Atlanta that might yet produce even more charges.
A conviction would not prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.
The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article