- Former President Donald Trump was criminally indicted in Manhattan on Tuesday.
- He became the first current or former US president to ever be criminally charged.
Former president Donald Trump uttered just nine words in Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday, where he was arraigned on dozens of charges related to falsifying business records.
On Tuesday, the Manhattan grand jury's indictment was made public. They accused Trump of 34 felony charges, which included allegations that Trump arranged a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, as well as other payments meant to stifle negative press ahead of the 2016 election.
In court, Trump sat with his counsel and spoke as little as possible, pleading not guilty to the charges.
Trump spoke early in the court appearance. His first two words were "not guilty" when he was asked to enter his plea.
Later in the hearing, after prosecutors and Trump's attorney Joe Tacopina had an exchange over a potential conflict of interest, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan asked Trump if he understood he had "the right to conflict-free counsel."
"Yes," Trump responded. He added: "Thank you."
Asked by Merchan if he understood he could waive his appearance in court, Trump answered, "Yes."
When Merchan then asked him if he understood that the court could proceed without him if he were to "become disruptive," Trump answered, "I do."
And when Merchan asked if Trump understood that the judge could even impose a sentence without him present, if needed, Trump answered, "Yes."