Iran Press/ America: Trump is facing four felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. He is the first former president ever to be indicted and criminally charged. It will be the third time Trump has been charged with a crime, but the first time that the charges include his behavior as a sitting president.
More than 100 protesters gathered outside the courthouse before Trump's 4 p.m. arraignment. They were joined by a large police presence patrolling the area.
Anti-Trump protesters showed up as well -- one of whom wore a black-and-white striped jail uniform; another protester screamed expletives from a megaphone.
Speaking to reporters briefly before boarding a plane following his hearing, Trump said it was a "sad day" and claimed that Washington, D.C. had gone downhill since his departure. The former president also called it a "persecution of a political opponent," noting his lead in polling in the 2024 Republican primary. Trump did not take questions following the short statement.
His next hearing is Aug. 28. Trump will not have to appear himself.
Facing a number of legal challenges in the midst of his third presidential run, Trump hopes to delay any and all trials for as long as possible.
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