Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges during a historic court appearance in Manhattan, marking a significant moment in U.S. legal and political history.

In a tightly controlled courtroom on Tuesday, Trump was formally accused of falsifying business records to conceal criminal conduct, including an alleged effort to suppress damaging information during the 2016 presidential election. The charges stem from an investigation led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

“The trail of money and lies reveals a pattern that violates one of New York’s basic and fundamental business laws,” Bragg stated during a press briefing.

The court filing alleges that Trump “made and caused false entries in the business records of an enterprise with the intent to defraud and commit another crime.” These offenses, categorized as Class E felonies, carry a maximum penalty of four years in prison per count — though legal analysts suggest jail time is unlikely for a first-time offender.

Trump remains expressionless in court during his sober hearing: Donald Trump entered the courtroom shortly after 14:30 local time, escorted by several secret service members. His expressionless face was accompanied by heavy, slow steps.
He sat in the first row during the proceedings. It lacked fireworks and was very formal. There was no carnival atmosphere.
The judge presided calmly and evenly, never raising his voice. He addressed Donald Trump politely, calmly, and firmly, ensuring that the former president understood his rights.

Despite the gravity of the moment, Trump appeared calm and largely expressionless throughout the nearly hour-long proceeding. He spoke only when addressed directly by Judge Juan Merchan, who reminded both legal teams to temper their rhetoric — but declined to impose a gag order, for now.

Trump, who is actively campaigning for a 2024 White House return, was released on his own recognizance and returned to Florida immediately after the hearing.

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At the heart of the indictment are accusations that Trump falsified records to hide reimbursements made to attorney Michael Cohen, who allegedly arranged hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors argue these payments were part of a broader attempt to sway the 2016 election.

“We cannot allow New York businesses to falsify their records to conceal criminal activity,” said Bragg. “No one is above the law.”

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Trump’s Defense Team: High-Profile Legal Firepower

Trump’s legal team, assembled for what is expected to be a drawn-out courtroom battle, includes:
• Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor tapped to lead the case,
• Susan Necheles, a veteran litigator known for defending organized crime figures,
• Joe Tacopina, a media-savvy defense attorney pledging a fierce legal fight,
• Boris Epshteyn, a long-time Trump adviser who is also under federal scrutiny in a separate probe.

 

In a significant legal decision, Judge Juan Merchan opted not to impose a gag order on Donald Trump — a move that preserves the former president’s ability to publicly comment on the case as he campaigns for re-election. However, the judge made it clear that this freedom comes with responsibility.

Judge Merchan cautioned Trump and his legal team to be mindful of their rhetoric, signaling that any inflammatory or potentially threatening public statements may prompt a reevaluation of that decision.

A gag order, if imposed, would prohibit Trump, his lawyers, witnesses, and other parties from discussing the case in public — typically used to prevent witness intimidation, protect the integrity of the trial, or avoid incitement of violence.

Should Trump violate a future gag order, he could face criminal contempt of court, which carries serious legal consequences.

While no trial date has been set, legal experts predict months — or even years — of pre-trial motions and political fallout. For now, Trump remains free and defiant, vowing to continue his 2024 presidential bid amid growing legal peril.

This case marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has faced criminal charges, further deepening the legal and political turbulence surrounding Donald Trump.