Donald Trump has been formally indicted on 34 felony counts. Former US president pleads not guilty
Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges brought against him in a New York court. Trump is accused of falsifying documents and paying to conceal information that allegedly harmed him during the 2016 election campaign.
Addressing his supporters in an electioneering style, Trump said his only crime was to fearlessly defend the nation from those who wish to destroy it. Trump repeated false accusations that he was fraudulently removed from office in 2022.
Some Republicans in office have criticized the legal action. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, accused prosecutors of interfering in the democratic process. Senator Mitt Romney said prosecutors had overstepped their authority and set a dangerous precedent.
Freed from judicial oversight, Donald Trump will try to do everything he can to avoid a trial in January 2024, just months before the presidential election he hopes to win.
Judge Juan Merchan said a criminal trial could begin in January next year, with Donald Trump's lawyers present at the hearing, preferring spring 2024.
