Donald Trump turned himself in on Tuesday for a historic New York court hearing, an event marked by tight security and a global media frenzy. The Republican billionaire became the first American president, past or present, to face criminal charges. The hearing, broadcast live with rival protesters gathering outside, represents a watershed moment for the U.S. criminal and political systems and could upend the 2024 White House race, in which Trump is currently the leading Republican nominee.
The 76‑year‑old former president is expected to plead not guilty to a series of charges stemming from hush‑money payments made to adult‑film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. As he left Trump Tower, where he had spent the night after flying from Florida, Trump posted on his Truth Social app: “Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME… Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!” He arrived at the courthouse amid police‑lined streets and helicopters buzzing overhead, a journey covered wall‑to‑wall on U.S. networks, though cameras will not be permitted inside the hearing.
Trump waved to supporters after exiting his car and entered the complex under Secret Service protection, avoiding a “perp walk.” He will undergo the standard booking procedure at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, including fingerprinting and possibly a photographed mug shot. At his arraignment, scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. (1615 GMT), he will learn the specific charges and is expected to plead not guilty to all counts, according to his lawyers.
Outside the courthouse, hundreds of people gathered—Trump supporters, anti‑Trump demonstrators, media, and curious onlookers. The pro‑Trump crowd, many wearing “MAGA” hats and American‑flag apparel, shouted slurs at counter‑protesters, while the opposition unfurled a banner reading “Trump lies all the time” and chanted “Lock him up!” Trump fans displayed a flag proclaiming “Trump or Death.” Police intervened as tensions rose.
Trump has framed the case as “political persecution,” using it to energize his base and raise millions for his bid to reclaim the White House. He plans to speak to reporters as he walks toward the courtroom, according to an attorney. Hours before the hearing, he posted, “THE RADICAL LEFT DEMOCRATS HAVE CRIMINALIZED THE JUSTICE SYSTEM,” labeling the proceedings a “kangaroo court.”
Approximately 30 counts, including at least one felony, are expected to be unsealed during the arraignment, which may last about 15 minutes. Afterward, Trump will return to Florida for an evening speech.
The indictment, issued last week by a grand jury in a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, centers on a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels made days before Trump’s election victory. Former lawyer and aide Michael Cohen, who has turned against Trump, says he arranged the payment to silence Daniels about an alleged 2006 affair, which Trump denies. Legal experts suggest the payment could constitute falsifying business records, potentially covering a campaign‑finance violation.
Trump faces additional criminal investigations at state and federal levels that could bring further, more serious charges before Election Day. These include inquiries into his attempts to overturn the 2020 Georgia election results, his handling of classified documents, and his possible involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
President Joe Biden, cautious about appearing to politicize the judiciary, has largely stayed silent on the indictment. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean‑Pierre said Biden would “catch part of the news when he has a moment,” emphasizing that it is not a focus for him. Republicans have largely rallied around Trump; even his primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, called the indictment “un‑American.”
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