On 4 April 2023, Donald Trump became the first-ever US president, sitting or former, to be charged with a crime. Trump appeared before a judge at Manhattan Criminal Court accused of falsifying business records.
The case is the beginning of Trump's journey through the US criminal justice system. Trump was also the first president in American history to be impeached twice.
Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts for falsifying New York business records through a "catch and kill" scheme designed to conceal damaging information and unlawful activity before the 2016 election.
The case centres on $130,000 hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels by Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen.
A $30,000 payment to a former Trump Tower doorman who alleged the former US president had a child out of wedlock. A $150,000 payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal to silence her about an alleged affair before the 2016 election.
According to reports, there's no state law that prohibits hush money payments. But Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg has accused Trump of falsifying business records.
Trump is also accused of falsifying records to cover up other crimes. Falsifying business records is a crime under New York law.
Tuesday, 4 April 2023, former US President surrendered at the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The usual arrest paperwork was completed - details taken, fingerprints processed.
Trump was taken to the courtroom and arraigned - meaning the indictment was unsealed and the charges were read out. Trump pleaded not guilty.
The next in-person hearing date for Trump's case in New York is currently set for December 4. News outlets were not allowed to broadcast the proceedings.
Daniels' real name is Stephanie Clifford. She is a well-known personality in the adult film business. According to Daniels she and Trump met in 2006 and had a brief affair.
In 2016, before Trump won the presidential election, his personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen arranged a $130,000 "HUSH MONEY” payment to Daniels in exchange for her silence about her relationship with Donald Trump. In 2018, the Wall Street Journal reported on the payment to Daniels.