Donald Trump, Former US President, Denies 34 Felony Charges During Plea Hearing

Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to hush money payments made during his presidency, becoming the first American president to be arrested on criminal charges. The charges include falsifying business records and tax fraud. The trial could potentially start as soon as January, meaning Trump could be in court just as primary elections begin in the presidential race. Trump’s lawyers want the trial pushed back to the spring. The former president claims he is the victim of “political persecution” but is also using the court case to energize his support base and raise millions of dollars for his bid to reclaim the White House. Trump is facing a series of separate criminal investigations at the state and federal level that could result in further charges between now and Election Day.