Former President Donald Trump spoke at Mar-a-Lago in Florida after being arraigned in New York on charges stemming from hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg led the investigation that resulted in charges, making him a target for Trump and his allies.
It’s the first time a former president has been criminally charged. Trump hasn’t let the controversy sideline his political plans; he announced his 2024 presidential campaign in November and held rallies even as his legal troubles ramped up.
Read live updates below:
Pinned
Key Things To Know So Far About Trump's Arraignment...
- Trump has officially been arrested and charged in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, making him the first-ever former president to be criminally charged.
- He arrived at the Manhattan courthouse at approximately 1:23 p.m. ET and waved to a crowd of onlookers and police before heading inside the building, where he pleaded not guilty on 34 felony charges.
- Trump didn’t give any remarks at the courthouse, but about an hour beforehand he posted on social media: "Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!"
- There’s no official mug shot yet, but Trump – who’s running for the presidency again in 2024 – is selling T-shirts emblazoned with a fake one to fundraise for his campaign.
That's All For Tonight
We’re closing out the liveblog of our coverage of Trump’s arraignment for the night. HuffPost will continue its coverage of Trump’s historic criminal charges tomorrow. Check out HuffPost.com for more reporting and analysis.
News Networks Cut Away From Trump
Just before the end of Trump’s speech, major news networks and media outlets — including CNN, NBC News and the Washington Post's livestream — cut off their feeds as Trump rattled off a familiar list of his years-long grudges, unfounded theories and grievances.
Trump Attacks Georgia Investigation
Trump has moved on to rage against another investigation into his behavior: his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. The former president said prosecutors were trying to “indict me over a ‘perfect call,’” referencing his effort to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” votes after the election.
“Many people on the phone … nobody found anything wrong with that perfect call,” Trump said. “This fake case was brought only to interfere with the 2024 election, and it should be dropped immediately.”
More on the latest in that investigation here.
“Many people on the phone … nobody found anything wrong with that perfect call,” Trump said. “This fake case was brought only to interfere with the 2024 election, and it should be dropped immediately.”
More on the latest in that investigation here.
Trump Leads With His Favorite Topic
Even though today’s charges were about the 2016 election, Trump kicked off his speech by rehashing his unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him, pointing to “unconstitutional changes to election laws” and “millions of votes illegally stuffed into ballot boxes and all caught on government cameras.”
“Our country is going to hell,” he proclaimed.
“Our country is going to hell,” he proclaimed.
Key Moment
Trump Explains The ‘Only Crime' He’s Committed In Post-Arraignment Remarks
After greeting supporters as he made his way into the event at Mar-a-Lago, Trump began his remarks.
"God bless you all. I never thought anything like this could happen in America," he said, claiming the only crime he's committed is trying "to defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it."
He then launched into a few of his greatest hits, slamming Democrats and Hunter Biden, and mentioning "Russia, Russia, Russia," the raid on Mar-a-Lago and more.
"God bless you all. I never thought anything like this could happen in America," he said, claiming the only crime he's committed is trying "to defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it."
He then launched into a few of his greatest hits, slamming Democrats and Hunter Biden, and mentioning "Russia, Russia, Russia," the raid on Mar-a-Lago and more.
A Look At The Protest Signs
Some of the more popular signs read “lock him up,” in reference to Trump’s long-time chant against his 2016 presidential opponent Hillary Clinton.
Fox Hypocrisy
Greg Gutfeld of Fox News called out journalists from other cable news channels for doing... exactly what Fox News did.
Kevin McCarthy Takes Dig At Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg: "[He's] Attempting To Interfere In Our Democratic Process."
In the aftermath of Trump’s courtroom appearance, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) took a dig at Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, asserting that he’s attempting to “interfere in our democratic process” through Trump’s indictment.
“Alvin Bragg is attempting to interfere in our democratic process by invoking federal law to bring politicized charges against President Trump, admittedly using federal funds, while at the same time arguing that the peoples’ representatives in Congress lack jurisdiction to investigate this farce,” McCarthy tweeted.
McCarthy continued: “Not so. Bragg’s weaponization of the federal justice process will be held accountable by Congress.”
“Alvin Bragg is attempting to interfere in our democratic process by invoking federal law to bring politicized charges against President Trump, admittedly using federal funds, while at the same time arguing that the peoples’ representatives in Congress lack jurisdiction to investigate this farce,” McCarthy tweeted.
McCarthy continued: “Not so. Bragg’s weaponization of the federal justice process will be held accountable by Congress.”
GOP Interference Crossing The Line?
House Republicans have been complaining about Bragg and casting doubt on the Manhattan DA's reputation since news broke that Trump was going to be indicted.
But are they taking it too far with the threat of subpoenas?
HuffPost's Jennifer Bendery asked legal experts whether their efforts amount to obstruction. Read her reporting here.
But are they taking it too far with the threat of subpoenas?
HuffPost's Jennifer Bendery asked legal experts whether their efforts amount to obstruction. Read her reporting here.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Calls Out Donald Trump Jr. For Posting A Photo Of Judge's Daughter On Truth Social
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) denounced Donald Trump Jr.'s move to post a photo to Truth Social of New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan’s daughter. Merchan is the judge overseeing Trump’s case.
“Because nothing says 'innocent' like threatening a judge’s family,” she said in a tweet.
In a separate tweet, she continued that “intimidation and stochastic terror are the core tools of Trump and the fascist movements that support him.”
“They rely on it to skirt consequence and silence others ― and each time it works, they grow more brazen. One reason why accountability is so important,” she wrote.
“Because nothing says 'innocent' like threatening a judge’s family,” she said in a tweet.
In a separate tweet, she continued that “intimidation and stochastic terror are the core tools of Trump and the fascist movements that support him.”
“They rely on it to skirt consequence and silence others ― and each time it works, they grow more brazen. One reason why accountability is so important,” she wrote.
The Courtroom Sketch
Behold: Trump's courtroom sketch, by artist Jane Rosenberg, has finally emerged.
Tom Williams via Getty Images
Sen. Mitt Romney Criticizes 'Political' Indictment Of Trump
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), a sharp Trump critic, voiced criticism of Bragg's indictment of the former president on Tuesday, calling it an "overreach" that is political in nature.
“I believe President Trump’s character and conduct make him unfit for office," Romney said in a statement. "Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda."
"No one is above the law, not even former presidents, but everyone is entitled to equal treatment under the law. The prosecutor’s overreach sets a dangerous precedent for criminalizing political opponents and damages the public’s faith in our justice system," he added.
Romney is no friend of Trump; he's the only GOP senator who voted to convict the former president in both his Senate impeachment trials.
“I believe President Trump’s character and conduct make him unfit for office," Romney said in a statement. "Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda."
"No one is above the law, not even former presidents, but everyone is entitled to equal treatment under the law. The prosecutor’s overreach sets a dangerous precedent for criminalizing political opponents and damages the public’s faith in our justice system," he added.
Romney is no friend of Trump; he's the only GOP senator who voted to convict the former president in both his Senate impeachment trials.
Photos Show A Disgruntled Trump Surrendering To Authorities And His Arraignment
Given that Trump is a former president under Secret Service protection, a perp walk wasn’t initially expected in this case, according to Insider. Still, some photos of the former president arriving at the courthouse did showcase the moments before he was in custody, followed by his courtroom appearance during which he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts.
Reuters
Bragg Speaks Out On Trump Indictment
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg spoke at a press conference after Trump left the courthouse following his arraignment. Bragg summarized the charges that accuse the former president of falsifying business records, including the hush money payment scheme to Stormy Daniels.
“At its core, this case today is one with allegations like so many of our white collar cases – allegations that someone lied again and again to protect their interests and evade the laws to which are all held accountable,” Bragg said.
“We today uphold our solemn responsibility to ensure that everyone stands equal before the law. No amount of money and no amount of power changes that enduring American principle.”
“At its core, this case today is one with allegations like so many of our white collar cases – allegations that someone lied again and again to protect their interests and evade the laws to which are all held accountable,” Bragg said.
“We today uphold our solemn responsibility to ensure that everyone stands equal before the law. No amount of money and no amount of power changes that enduring American principle.”
Getty
Judge Warns Trump About Inciting Unrest
The AP reports the judge warned Trump to refrain from social media posts that could prompt unrest, referencing previous posts Trump shared that were critical of Bragg.
Trump Will Be Back...
As of today, Trump's next in-person court date is set for Dec. 4.
Trump Lawyers Offer Lame Excuse For Trump Threatening The Manhattan DA. Also: Surprise Mannequin Leg.
Trump attorneys Joe Tacopino and Todd Blanche held an impromptu media conference after Trump’s arraignment hearing, wherein Tacopino claimed Trump’s threats on social media against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg weren’t threats at all.
Trump shared a photo last week of himself swinging a baseball bat alongside a photo of Bragg with his hands up. The post was later removed.
Tacopino claimed Tuesday Trump just really liked the bat and wanted to share a photo of it.
“He wasn’t swinging a baseball bat at anyone’s head,” Tacopino said. “He was showing off an American-made bat.”
The press conference also featured a single mannequin leg (visible in the clip below at 0:20), held by someone in the crowd apparently wielding it as a boom microphone.
Trump shared a photo last week of himself swinging a baseball bat alongside a photo of Bragg with his hands up. The post was later removed.
Tacopino claimed Tuesday Trump just really liked the bat and wanted to share a photo of it.
“He wasn’t swinging a baseball bat at anyone’s head,” Tacopino said. “He was showing off an American-made bat.”
The press conference also featured a single mannequin leg (visible in the clip below at 0:20), held by someone in the crowd apparently wielding it as a boom microphone.
Trump Attorneys: ‘He’s Frustrated, He’s Upset’ But Not Surprised
Trump’s attorneys said the former president is upset about the criminal charges against him but not surprised by anything revealed in the indictment.
“He’s frustrated, he’s upset, but I’ll tell you what, he’s motivated, and it’s not going to stop him and it’s not going to slow him down,” said his attorney Todd Blanche, who called it “not a good day.”
“The indictment itself is boilerplate,” he told reporters outside the courthouse. “It’s sad, and we’re going to fight it.”
Asked if there was anything in the indictment that surprised them, his attorney Joe Tacopina said: “I was surprised that there were no facts in there.”
Blanche added that the judge asked everyone, not specifically Trump, to refrain from using inappropriate language in relation to the case.
“The judge didn’t warn, he asked the parties to consider what they’re saying, not saying,” he said.
When asked about Trump recently sharing a photo of himself holding a baseball bat next to the Manhattan district attorney’s head, Tacopina said it was being taken out of context.
“That was a picture of him showing off an American-made bat,” Tacopina said of the photo.
“He’s frustrated, he’s upset, but I’ll tell you what, he’s motivated, and it’s not going to stop him and it’s not going to slow him down,” said his attorney Todd Blanche, who called it “not a good day.”
“The indictment itself is boilerplate,” he told reporters outside the courthouse. “It’s sad, and we’re going to fight it.”
Asked if there was anything in the indictment that surprised them, his attorney Joe Tacopina said: “I was surprised that there were no facts in there.”
Blanche added that the judge asked everyone, not specifically Trump, to refrain from using inappropriate language in relation to the case.
“The judge didn’t warn, he asked the parties to consider what they’re saying, not saying,” he said.
When asked about Trump recently sharing a photo of himself holding a baseball bat next to the Manhattan district attorney’s head, Tacopina said it was being taken out of context.
“That was a picture of him showing off an American-made bat,” Tacopina said of the photo.
Judge Unseals Trump Indictment
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has unsealed Trump’s indictment, revealing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in court documents that Trump “repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election.” The statement includes the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels.
Read the full statement of facts here.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in court documents that Trump “repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election.” The statement includes the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels.
Read the full statement of facts here.
Chelsea Guglielmino/FilmMagic/Getty Images
No 'Lock Him Up' Chants From Hillary Clinton Today
Hillary Clinton could be throwing some serious shade at Trump today as he gets arraigned in a New York City courtroom. How could she not want to, given that her former presidential rival has gone from, "Lock her up!" chants to being arrested?
Alas, Clinton is taking the high road and using her social media to divert people's attention to another important event happening today: Wisconsin's record-shattering Supreme Court election. It's the most expensive state judicial race in U.S. history, and Wisconsin voters will choose between two people with strongly different positions on abortion rights, among other matters.
Clinton is urging people to vote for the Democratic nominee, Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz.
Alas, Clinton is taking the high road and using her social media to divert people's attention to another important event happening today: Wisconsin's record-shattering Supreme Court election. It's the most expensive state judicial race in U.S. history, and Wisconsin voters will choose between two people with strongly different positions on abortion rights, among other matters.
Clinton is urging people to vote for the Democratic nominee, Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz.
Seth Wenig/AP
Trump Inside The Courtroom With His Defense Team
Trump sits at the defense table with his legal team in a Manhattan court on Tuesday.