As soon as former President Donald Trump's motorcade arrived at the Manhattan courthouse, after leaving his residence at Trump Tower, he surrendered to the district attorney's office pending release by the judge on bail, stating, "I can't believe this is happening in America. Being summoned to appear in court feels 'surreal'." After requesting a mugshot, he appeared waving his hand, while CNN analysts noted that he looked "sad" and "angry," asserting that the Manhattan court is biased, demanding that his trial be moved to another state. He is facing proceedings that Republicans describe as humiliating for their former president.
The first comment from the White House was, "Trump's trial is not a priority for the Biden administration." Meanwhile, officials confirmed readiness to address potential disturbances and chaos regarding the trial. Trump, at 76 years old, is the first sitting or former U.S. president to face criminal charges. A grand jury in Manhattan last week indicted him in a case involving hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, though specific charges have not been disclosed yet. Trump has maintained his innocence and will plead not guilty.
The session is expected to be brief, as one of Trump's attorneys, Joseph Tacopina, stated on ABC, "Today will not be long in court." Legal experts noted that no trial will take place for over a year. Being indicted or even convicted does not legally prevent Trump from running for president.
Five photographers will be allowed into the courtroom to take pictures for a few minutes before the session begins. Trump's lawyers urged the judge to keep them away, stating that they would exacerbate an already "circus-like atmosphere." Some of Trump's supporters and opponents gathered outside the courthouse before the session started amid heightened security measures. A video shared by a BuzzFeed reporter on Twitter showed two Trump supporters, one wrapped in an American flag, arguing with another woman opposing a large black sign outside the courthouse that read "Trump lies all the time" before police intervened.
Regarding trial procedures: All trials and most activities in Manhattan's court were halted ahead of Trump's scheduled arrival. The Secret Service, New York Police Department, and court officers coordinated security measures for Trump's anticipated appearance. The Secret Service is expected to accompany Trump early in the afternoon to the district attorney’s office, located in the same building as the courthouse. Trump will also be fingerprinted by investigators.
Typically, after being arrested, defendants are held in cells near the courthouse before being presented in court, but this will not happen with Trump. Once the investigators conclude their work, Trump will be transported through a series of back hallways and elevators to the floor with the courtroom. It is not expected that Trump's hands will be restrained.
By the afternoon U.S. time, Trump is expected to be brought into the courtroom, where the indictment will be opened and he will officially face the charges. After being presented in court, Trump is almost certain to be released on his own recognizance. Usually, defendants who are released exit through the front doors, but instead, once the court session is over, Trump is expected to walk back through the back hallways to the district attorney’s office and return to where his motorcade will be waiting. Trump will then head to the airport to return to Mar-a-Lago, where he has scheduled a public speaking engagement.
New York Judge Juan Merchan stated on Monday that Trump's ruling will not be broadcast live. The judge denied a request from several media outlets to allow broadcasting of Trump's appearance in the courtroom, deciding to permit five still photographers to capture images of Trump and the courtroom before the session begins. The investigation revolves around a payment of $130,000 made in 2016 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, in exchange for her silence regarding an alleged affair with Trump a decade prior.
