Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges in New York court

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a Manhattan court, becoming the first former US president to face criminal charges. The arraignment, which lasted about an hour, took place in a courtroom surrounded by heavy security, as supporters and critics demonstrated outside the courthouse.

The charges and the investigation

The indictment, filed by the Manhattan district attorney's office, alleges that Trump participated in a scheme to conceal hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. The payments, made through Trump's then-personal attorney Michael Cohen, were intended to prevent Daniels from revealing an alleged extramarital affair. Prosecutors argue that these payments were falsely recorded as legal expenses, violating campaign finance laws and falsifying business records.

Trump, who has denied both the affair and any wrongdoing, called the investigation a political "witch hunt." His legal team has announced it will challenge every aspect of the case, from the validity of the indictment to the impartiality of the judge.

Political and legal implications

The case represents a milestone in US political history, as it is the first criminal prosecution of a former president. Legal analysts note that although the charges are serious, a conviction would not prevent Trump from running for president in 2024. However, the process could affect his campaign by further dividing the Republican electorate and providing ammunition to his critics.

Trump's defense has argued that the case is part of a coordinated effort by Democrats to weaken his candidacy. The prosecution, led by District Attorney Alvin Bragg, has faced criticism from both the left, which accuses him of not acting quickly enough, and the right, which accuses him of political motivations.

Reactions and historical context

Trump's not-guilty plea came amid high political tension. Republican figures, such as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have called the prosecution "unprecedented political interference," while Democrats like Senator Chuck Schumer have urged respect for the judicial process.

The case has roots in an investigation that began in 2018, when Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the payments to Daniels. Cohen, who was sentenced to three years in prison, has cooperated with prosecutors and is a key witness in the case against Trump.