Trump Arraigned in Manhattan Court — Pleads Not Guilty to 34 Felony Counts (2023-04-04)

Donald Trump surrenders and is arraigned at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, becoming the first former president to appear in court as a criminal defendant. He pleads not guilty to all 34 counts. The arraignment draws unprecedented media attention. Trump delivers a speech at Mar-a-Lago immediately afterward, claiming "the only crime I have committed is fearlessly defending our nation from those who seek to destroy it." The appearance becomes a campaign rallying cry.