Former US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from Mar-a-Lago after pleading not guilty to felony charges

Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records, becoming the first former U.S. president in history to face criminal charges while he is being arraigned in a New York courtroom. The indictment was part of an ongoing investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney into paying hush money to two women who allege they had affairs with Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

The payments were made through shell companies and Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, has already pleaded guilty to arranging them. Addressing supporters at A Lago, he said the accusations were part of a long-running Democratic “witch hunt.” He also urged his supporters to prepare for more possible indictments as investigations continue into his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and the keeping of classified records after his resignation. warned.

The charges are a mix of misdemeanors and felonies, with the most serious charges involving falsification of business records. The complaint alleges that Trump described the payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougall as legal fees to boost the presidential campaign. The payments were made through the National Enquirer’s “catch and kill” contract, and if Trump had used his own money, he would have exceeded federal funding limits. Cohen, who made the first payment to the woman, pleaded guilty to making illegal campaign contributions, and prosecutors allege her payments facilitated federal campaign finance violations.

The indictment of Trump is seen by many as a major test of the U.S. justice system’s ability to hold powerful figures accountable for their actions. The investigation is being watched closely by both Trump supporters and opponents, with many expecting a lengthy legal battle over the coming months and years. , which coincides with the first Republican presidential primary. His next hearing is scheduled for December 4th. The criminal case put Trump back in the spotlight and saw a surge in his donations, Republican supporters, and polling support for his campaign.