Former US President Donald Trump's criminal trial begins on the 4th (local time) amidst global attention. The trial, which starts at 2:15 pm local time at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York (3:15 am on the 5th in Korean time), marks the beginning of his epic journey that will determine his fate. As the first former or current US president to stand trial, there is a lot of interest in the proceedings and atmosphere.
Trump arrived at his New York Manhattan residence, Trump Tower, one day before his first appearance in court. According to the US media outlet Politico, Trump is expected to hold a "car parade" to the court after spending the night at the Trump Tower penthouse. As of now, it is known that he will arrive at the Manhattan prosecutor's office at 11 am to take his fingerprints and mugshot, which will not be released publicly.
Trump's lawyers have stated on CNN that there will not be a public photo line due to security reasons. They also added that Trump will not be handcuffed and will have security personnel by his side. The arraignment, which begins at 2:15 pm, is the main event of the day.
During the arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges and confirms whether the defendant admits or denies the allegations. The Manhattan grand jury decided on January 30 to indict former President Trump on charges of giving money to adult actresses to keep them quiet before the 2016 election and manipulating accounting documents. At Trump's first court appearance, the specific charges against him will be revealed. The indictment, which is filled with charges, is usually made public during the arraignment when the defendant first appears in court. Local media have reported that Trump is facing more than 30 charges, including at least one felony.
Trump's lawyers say he will plead "not guilty" to the charges. The arraignment usually takes 15-30 minutes, but it could take longer, depending on Trump's intentions, according to the US legal community. There will be no cameras allowed in the courtroom on this day. The presiding judge stated that there is no dispute that this proceeding includes a historic and significant event. However, the judge rejected requests from several media outlets, including CNN, to cover the proceedings.
These media outlets claimed that, given the importance of this proceeding, it is not excessive to expand public access. However, Trump's lawyers demanded that the request be rejected, stating that they cannot create a "circus-like atmosphere" in court. As of 5 pm on the stormy evening of the 3rd, journalists were camping outside the courthouse. More than 50 journalists from major media outlets, including CNN, are lining up to obtain one of the 60 or fewer seats available for distribution starting at 8 am on the 4th. These journalists plan to camp out near the courthouse overnight and have an "open run" if they can get a seat. After all of the day's court proceedings are over, Trump will return to his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Fox News reported on the 3rd that he may leave the courthouse through the front door. Some Trump supporters are expected to gather in the park near the courthouse on this day. Trump announced that he will give a national address from Mar-a-Lago at 8:15 pm on the same day. It is expected that he will reiterate his claims that the investigation by the prosecution and this indictment are politically motivated persecution by the ruling Democratic Party.
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