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No Mug Shot as Trump Gets Arraigned on 34 Felony Counts in NYC

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a historic moment, former President Donald Trump was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in New York City on criminal charges stemming from a grand jury indictment. It's the first time in history a U.S. president has become a criminal defendant. 

He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and conspiracy in a case focusing on his alleged role in hush money payments to two women during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Trump and his legal team remain adamant he did nothing wrong, insisting it's just another "political witch hunt." 

After the arraignment, he headed back to Florida to deliver remarks from his estate in Mar-a-Lago. 

Throughout the day the former president lashed out at both the district attorney and judge involved in the case, accusing D.A. Alvin Bragg of illegally leaking the charges included in the indictment and calling on him to resign. He also accused Bragg and the judge of being "Trump haters."

Trump surrendered to authorities around 1:30 p.m. and was fingerprinted and processed inside the courthouse. He was not put into handcuffs or required to take a mug shot. 

Tonight, the National Faith Advisory Board is holding a prayer call for Trump, the nation, and for righteousness to rule. Organizers say Trump plans to be a part of that ahead of his Mar-a-Lago remarks.

"We don't know how substantive these charges are. This case is thought to be the lesser in severity compared to the other investigations still ongoing in which the former president could face indictments," Nathan Gonzales from Inside Elections told CBN News' Faith Nation on Monday. 

The sealed indictment was leaked on Monday night, revealing Trump will be charged with 34 felony counts for falsification of business records. Trump released a statement on Truth Social calling for District Attorney Alvin Bragg to be indicted for the leak.

Gonzales tells CBN News that Republicans need to wait and see what the charges are before rushing to the former president's defense. "Just because it's a political investigation or that the investigator, the DA in this case, has a political motive doesn't mean that President Trump is innocent," explained Gonzales. "He can still be guilty even if it's a political investigation."

Police set up barricades in preparation for protests near the downtown Manhattan courthouse where Trump was being arraigned. New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a pointed message to protestors Monday. "Our message is clear and simple: control yourselves," said Adams. "NYC is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger." 

 Legal experts warn this court battle could be slow and play out well beyond the 2024 presidential election.  

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About The Author

Caitlin Burke Headshot
Caitlin
Burke

Caitlin Burke serves as National Security Correspondent and a general assignment reporter for CBN News. She has also hosted the CBN News original podcast, The Daily Rundown. Some of Caitlin’s recent stories have focused on the national security threat posed by China, America’s military strength, and vulnerabilities in the U.S. power grid. She joined CBN News in July 2010, and over the course of her career, she has had the opportunity to cover stories both domestically and abroad. Caitlin began her news career working as a production assistant in Richmond, Virginia, for the NBC affiliate WWBT

About The Author

Abigail
Robertson

Abigail Robertson serves as the White House Correspondent for CBN News, where she has worked since 2015. As a reporter, Abigail covers stories from a Christian perspective on American politics and the news of the day. Before her role at the White House, Abigail covered Capitol Hill, where she interviewed notable lawmakers such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. During her time on the Hill, Abigail loved highlighting how God is moving in the House and Senate by covering different ministries on Capitol Hill and sharing lawmakers’ testimonies and