Former President Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 34 Felony Counts in Manhattan Court

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan court on Tuesday to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The charges stem from a hush money payment to an adult film actress in 2016.

In response to the arraignment, Trump took to his social media platform to urge Republicans in Congress to “defund” federal law enforcement ahead of a government funding deadline this fall. “The Democrats have totally weaponized law enforcement in our country and are viciously using this abuse of power to interfere with our already under siege elections!” he wrote in all-caps.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of seeking to interfere in the elections and said Congress will hold him accountable. Several Republican lawmakers, both allies and critics of former President Donald Trump, issued statements following the arraignment.

The case is being handled by the New York State Supreme Court. Trump is facing up to four years in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to begin in the fall.

The arraignment is the latest development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the former president. Trump has been charged with a variety of crimes since leaving office, including obstruction of justice and tax fraud. He has denied all of the charges.