Donald Trump pleads not guilty on all counts
Donald Trump entered a plea of not guilty after the counts of the indictment were read to him by the judge.
The former president was arrested and arraigned on four felony counts outlined in special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.
Key events
Donald Trump claims his arraignment is a ‘sad day for America’
Donald Trump gave a brief statement to reporters after arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following his arraignment.
The former president said it was a “sad day for America” and that it was also “very sad” to drive through Washington DC and see “the filth and decay”.
“This is not the place that I left. It’s a very sad thing to see,” Trump said.
When you look at what’s happening, this is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen in America.
He went on to claim that it was “the persecution of the person who is leading by very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot”.
So if you can’t beat him, you persecute him or you prosecute them. We can’t let this happen in America.
Donald Trump is currently on his way back to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Here are the latest images from the newswires:
The Guardian’s Washington bureau chief David Smith is outside the courthouse where Donald Trump was arraigned:
Trump expected to speak after leaving courthouse
Donald Trump’s motorcade has left the federal courthouse in Washington after his court hearing concluded after just under half an hour.
The former president is expected to speak to reporters when he arrives at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. He will then board his plane to return to him home in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Hugo Lowell
Trump lawyer John Lauro said the defense team will ask for the exclusion of the Speedy Trial Act in the Trump 2020 election interference case.
Lauro said:
All we would ask your honor is the opportunity to fairly defend our client but in order to do that, we’re going to need a little time.
Judge Upadhyaya ordered Lauro to make a written filing in five days, with a DOJ response within five days after that.
Donald Trump’s hearing is now over, and he has left the courtroom.
The former president is expected to speak to reporters before he boards his plane back to Bedminster, New Jersey.
Judge sets first hearing in case for 28 August
US magistrate judge Moxila Upadhyaya has set the first hearing in the case for 10am Eastern time (15:00 BST) on 28 August.
The judge said district judge Tanya Chutkan, who has been assigned to oversee the case against Trump for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election, was willing to waive Trump’s appearance at the first hearing if he wants.
Judge Upadhyaya had offered up three potential dates. Prosecutors had asked for the earliest – 21 August – while the defense requested the latest date – 28 August.
Hugo Lowell
My colleague Hugo Lowell has some more detail on Donald Trump’s bail conditions, which the former president signed after being sworn in.
Trump was warned that violating the conditions of his release could result in a warrant issued for his arrest, and that he may be held pending trial and receive a longer sentence.
New: Conditions of release for Trump include prohibition from discussing facts of the case with anyone known to be a witness in this case except thru counsel
— Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) August 3, 2023
Also: Must not violate federal, state or local law; Must appear in court as required and if convicted serve a sentence the court may impose; Must sign an appearance bond (no amount read by the judge).
— Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) August 3, 2023
David Smith
Donald Trump sat forward in his chair as the judge talked about the “term of imprisonment” he could face if convicted.
Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya then said:
At this time I will arraign Mr Trump.
Trump’s team entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Judge Upadhyaya to Trump:
If you fail to comply with any of the conditions of your release, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Donald Trump pleads not guilty on all counts
Donald Trump entered a plea of not guilty after the counts of the indictment were read to him by the judge.
The former president was arrested and arraigned on four felony counts outlined in special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.
US magistrate judge Moxila Upadhyaya is reading each count against Donald Trump. The former president has been charged with four counts:
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Count 1: Conspiracy to defraud the United States
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Count 2: Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding
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Count 3: Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding
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Count 4: Conspiracy against rights
David Smith
Standing then sitting again, Trump tells judge his name and age:
Yes, your honor. Donald J Trump. John. 77.
Asked if he has taken a medication or substance in the last 24 hours that would impair his answers, Trump replies:
No, I have not.
Hugo Lowell
Donald Trump’s response when asked his age by the magistrate judge:
Seven-seven
US magistrate judge Moxila Upadhyaya has entered courtroom for Donald Trump’s arraignment.
The hearing has begun.
Hugo Lowell
Special counsel Jack Smith is around 15ft away from Donald Trump (the tables are 4ft wide), per person familiar with the room layout.
David Smith
At E Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse where video feed shows Donald Trump, in blue suit, white shirt and red tie, entering courtroom and sitting at table, folding and unfolding hands, unable to keep still.
He picks up a document and quickly puts it down again.