Manhattan, NY– Former president Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with the hush money payment he allegedly made to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
Each of the counts Trump faces are classified as a”Class E” felony, which is the lowest classification in the New York court system but carries a maximum sentence of four years each.
The charges come after a years-long investigation into Trump’s business dealings and the report that Trump paid the adult film star to keep quiet about their affair.
Trump is now the first former president to be criminally charged.
Many supporters of Donald Trump have accused the left of “weaponization of the government” and claim the indictment is “politically motivated,” as Trump prepares for his third presidential campaign.
Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom during the arraignment, but Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is expected to speak to the media about the charges following the hearing.
The former president is also expected to give his own speech once he arrives home at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night.