Donald Trump breaks silence and rants about 'filth and decay' - recap updates

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This concludes our live coverage of the historic events.

The date of the next hearing in this major legal case that could see Trump jailed was confirmed to be August 28.

The Department of Justice has one week to file a requested trial date.

Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya today scheduled the next hearing for August 28 at 10am, US time, and that hearing will take place before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan.

Magistrate Judge Upadhyaya told Trump: "I will also note, Mr. Trump, that to the extent you are not able to attend as a result of your schedule, I have consulted with Judge Chutkan and she is willing to waive your appearance."

Donald Trump confers with defence lawyer Todd Blanche, left, during his appearance at the Federal Courthouse in Washington on Thursday (AP)

EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump's potential huge jail sentence could see him 'throw allies under bus'

Donald Trump is facing a potentially huge jail sentence and the threat could force him to throw some of his closest allies under the bus - and vice versa, an expert has told The Mirror.

Lawyer Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, tells The Mirror Mr Trump's legal team could decide to shift some of the blame onto his advisers, and vice-versa.

Mr Neama, who has put "more than 1,000 people in prison", spoke exclusively to The Mirror about how Mr Trump's former close allies could impact the trial.

"The witnesses are going to be critical," he said. "That is why there are so many witness statements in that indictment. Someone like Mike Pence for example has come out and said nobody is above the law..."

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

Neama Rahmani, former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, spoke to The Mirror (West Coast Trial Lawyers )

Courtroom sketch of historic moment

A courtroom sketch of former president Donald Trump as he entered his not guilty plea has emerged.

Courtroom sketch artist Bill Hennessy caught the historic moment as Mr Trump made his third court appearance in just six months. In the court, he appeared to stare at lead prosecutor Jack Smith for a few moments before glaring at the other prosecutors and FBI Special Agent Garner sitting across from him.

Courtroom sketch of Trump pleading not guilty to all four counts related to 2020 election subversion — by Bill Hennessy pic.twitter.com/aKe8UzglQ6

— Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) August 3, 2023

Donald Trump's telling hand gesture hints snarling cowboy is enjoying fight, says expert

Snarling Donald Trump gave off a telling hand gesture that hinted he was actually enjoying the fight, as he ranted to the waiting media scrum having pleaded not guilty in a federal court.

That's according to renowned body language expert Judi James, who says the embattled former US President managed to retain his air of "heavyweight, Trump-style dignity and possible martyrdom" as he broke his silence after his historic arraignment.

Judi said: "The key clue about Trump’s inner emotional state and mood came as he stepped out of his plane on his arrival in Washington.

"It was a small but telling hand gesture that hinted he was not only up for the fight but maybe also enjoying it too. As he walked down the steps his right hand showed a ‘cocked’ or erect thumb, which is normally a signal of competitive anticipation, the kind of gesture a confident footballer uses as he runs out on the pitch at the start of a big match.

"Snapping to attention in a dutiful gesture at the top of the steps on arrival he said ‘Thank you’ for no apparent reason apart from assuming he was facing loyal supporters. His face looked jowly and solemn and as he held his red tie down in the wind his lid of blonde hair lifted on the top of his head.

"Back on the tarmac after his hearing, Trump retained his air of heavyweight, Trump-style dignity and possible martyrdom. His face looked even grimmer as he pulled himself out of the car, with his mouth set in anger and his eyes narrowed. He grabbed the umbrella to hold it over himself and greeted the press with a mouth-shrug of resignation.

"When he spoke about the ‘filth and decay of Washington DC’ it was hard to tell if he was being literal or hinting about the justice system. He displayed both upper and lower teeth in a snarl, speaking sideways on in the style of an old Western cowboy. His body bristled as he repeated the word ‘persecution’ for emphasis, referring to himself as ‘the person’ being persecuted in a note of strange detachment."

Valet Walt Nauta hands former President Donald Trump an umbrella before he speaks at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (AP)

Not prosecuting 'riskier' than alternatives

Former Sgt Aquilino Gonell was injured during the January 6 riots at the Capitol in 2021.

In a statement earlier today, he said: "Not prosecuting is far riskier than having no consequences for the alleged power grab attempts."

Former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was injured on Jan. 6, shares this statement after attending today’s hearing, along with other officers, like Harry Dunn.
“Not prosecuting is far riskier than having no consequences for the alleged power grab attempts,” Gonell says pic.twitter.com/LOO6O74mmu

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) August 3, 2023

Kyle Fitzsimons was sentenced in July to more than seven years in prison for hurling a bow like a spear at police and attacking several other officers.

Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of 15 years and eight months for Fitzsimons, calling him one of the most violent and aggressive participants in the riot. They said he caused a “career-ending and life-altering” shoulder injury to Mr Gonell.

Donald Trump in Washington DC rain as he boarded his plane (AFP via Getty Images)

'Sad day for America' - Trump's full statement

Donald Trump addressed reporters and said his appearance in court today was a "sad day for America."

He continued: "It was also very sad driving through Washington DC and seeing the filth and decay and all of the broken buildings, walls and graffiti. This is not th place that I left. It is a very sad thing to see it.

"When you look at what's happening, this is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen in America. This is the persecution of the person that is leading by ver, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot.

"So, if you can't beat him you persecute or you prosecute him. We can't let this happen in America... thank you very much."

He spoke on the tarmac as rain fell at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and he is now expected to return to his home in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Gonnell attended the court today alongside Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn, who also defended the Capitol.

(AP)

Trump in court - how the day played out

Trump ambled into court at 3.51pm local time and sat down at the defence table, messing with some papers in front of him.

At one point, he appeared to stare at lead prosecutor Jack Smith for several moments before leaning forward and glaring at the other prosecutors and FBI Special Agent Garner sitting across from him.

For months Trump had done everything he could do to try to make these indictments roll out on his own terms, but yesterday he was at the mercy of prosecutors and the judge who kept him waiting more than 25 minutes.

After a plea of not guilty, he was released, enabling him to rejoin the campaign trail as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

Before touching down by private jet in Washington, hundreds of police ramped up security. They set up barricades around the courthouse, which ironically sits in the shadow of the Capitol building.

The Republican former president was the only person charged in the case, though prosecutors referenced six unnamed co-conspirators, primarily lawyers, they say he plotted with.
They are accused of a scheme to enlist fake electors in seven battleground states won by Joe Biden to submit false certificates to the federal government.

The indictment chronicles how Trump and his Republican allies, in what Special Counsel Smith described as an attack on a "bedrock function of the US government," repeatedly lied about the results in the two months after he lost the election.

He then pressured his then-vice president, Mike Pence and state election officials to take action to help him cling to power.

Donald Trump appeared in court close to the Capitol building (Getty)

Trump fingerprints NOT taken

Donald Trump's fingerprints were not taken today because they are already in the federal court system from a previous case.

The former president already faces federal charges; he denied dozens of federal felony counts accusing him of hoarding classified documents and thwarting government efforts to retrieve them.

Stacks of boxes can be observed in a bathroom and shower in The Mar-a-Lago Club's Lake Room at Mr Trump's Florida home (US Justice Department/AFP via Ge)

Former president could face 35 years behind bars

Mr Trump was told conspiracy to defraud the United States carries a maximum of five years in prison, that corrupt obstruction of a proceeding and conspiracy up to 20 years and conspiracy against rights has a maximum term of up to 10 years.

The judge asked Trump his name, seeing the former president stand up and walk toward her.
She advised him he could sit and talk into the microphone.

The justice asked his name again, and he replied, “Yes, your honour, Donald J Trump, John.”
He was then asked his age and if he took any drugs, to which he replied “No”.

Trump was then read the charges and told the maximum penalty for each charge.

Ask how he pleaded to the charges, Trump, who the judge addressed as “Mr Trump”, said “Not guilty.”

Trial within 100 days is 'absurd' - Trump lawyer

Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested a "speedy" trial for the former president, but Trump lawyer John Lauro called this "absurd."

Mr Lauro said: “For the government to suggest this trial could be tried within the timeframe of the Speedy Trial Act is somewhat absurd, I think, given the scope of the discovery.”

Mr Lauro blasted the notion of a trial within 100 days (AP)

Prosecutors will not seek detention - date for next hearing set

The prosecution in the case has confirmed it will not seek the detention of Donald Trump.

Conditions of release include Mr Trump being prevented from discussing the facts of the case with anyone known to be a witness unless this is through counsel.

An appearance bond was also confirmed, but it is not clear what this amounts to.

The date of the next hearing was confirmed to be August 28, five days after the first Republican primary debate.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has one week to file a requested trial date.

Trump pleads not guilty

Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Mr Trump has denied all four counts against him, which are:

• Conspiracy to defraud the United States

• Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

• Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

• Conspiracy against rights

Inside the courtroom

Judge Moxila Upadhyaya read out the four charges against the former president, before asking the defendant his age.

"Seven-seven," the 45th president was heard replying.

Mr Trump confirmed he has not taken any medication that would impair his answers in the previous 24 hours.

Judge Moxila Upadhyaya has entered the court

Judge Moxila Upadhyaya has now entered the courtroom. She addressed the former president after entering.

"Good afternoon Mr. Trump," Judge Upadhyaya said as Mr Trump was sworn in.

There was a 16-minute delay to the start of proceedings.

The scene inside the court

Donald Trump attended courtroom 22A of the E Barrett Prettyman courthouse in his typical red tie and suit. Members of the Secret Service followed Mr Trump into the court.

He has spoken with his attorneys in the court, but has so far remained largely silent. At one point, he scribbled notes on a piece of paper in front of him and handed it to his lawyer.

Stunning moment per @MLevineReports watching in federal court Trump could just be seen staring right toward Smith, knocking his clasped hands on the table in a tense way.

— John Santucci (@Santucci) August 3, 2023

Mr Trump arrived at 3.51pm local time with his lawyers Todd Blanche and John Lauro. He was stared at by Special Counsel Jack Smith, around three metres from the 45th president.

A demonstrator holds a sign reading "Presidents are not Kings" as he protests outside the E Barrett Prettyman courthouse (AFP via Getty Images)

Officers that defended Capitol present at court

Also in the court are three officers who defended the Capitol building on January 6, 2021.

Daniel Hodges and Aquilino Gonnell were injured, and Harry Dunn was chased by violent protesters. Hodges was a District of Columbia police officer, and Dunn and Gonnell worked for the US Capitol police, tasked with protecting the Capitol and the lawmakers inside.

“All I have wanted from day one is accountability,” Dunn said in a statement released by his lawyer after he went into the federal court in Washington, DC.

Trump enters courtroom

The former president is now present in the courtroom. He is alongside lawyers John Lauro and Todd Blanche.

Lawyer Evan Corcoran is also in the courtroom.

Special Counsel Jack Smith, in charge of the investigation into Mr Trump, entered before the 45th president.

Mr Trump called Mr Smith "deranged" ahead of his appearance in the US capital today.

Trump representatives

Donald Trump will be represented by attorney Todd Blanche at the Washington DC courtroom today.

NBC News confirmed Mr Blanche met with prosecutors from the special counsel's office last week.

Mr Trump was joined on Trump Force One by Alina Habba, general counsel and a spokesperson for the Save America PAC, who spoke outside the court.

"We are not a thrid world country, " Ms Habba said.

Also onboard Trump Force One was campaign advisers Susie Wiles, Chris LaCivita, Jason Miller and Steven Cheung and Boris Epshteyn.

Tough judge for Trump in trial

Trump arrives at courthouse

Donald Trump has now arrived at the E Barrett Prettyman court in Washinton DC, where he is due to be arraigned on four counts.

There will be no mugshot of the former president, but he will have fingerprints taken.

Both supporters and protestors are currently outside the court, along with a heavy security presence.

Strong words were heard between the two groups including one person brandishing a pro-Trump flag and shouting "make me a sandwich" at a female nearby.

People wait outside the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Federal Courthouse (AP)

President Biden won't follow Trump's arraignment

President Joe Biden told reporters he would not be following today's arraignment as his former political opponent appears in court.

Mr Biden uttered a simple "no" to reporters who spotted him on holiday in his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Biden tells ⁦@JayMcMichaelCNN⁩ he won’t be following Trump’s arraignment in federal court today: “NO” pic.twitter.com/TmdURLQQ5r

— Kevin Liptak (@Kevinliptakcnn) August 3, 2023

Mr Trump lashed out at the current president and alleged: "Biden and his family steal Millions and Millions of Dollars, including BRIBES from foreign countries, and I’m headed to D.C. to be ARRESTED for protesting a CROOKED ELECTION. UNFAIR VENUE, UNFAIR JUDGE. We are a Nation in Decline. MAGA!!!"

Mr Biden said he would not follow what happens in the Washington DC court (Susan Walsh/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Trump arrives in Washington DC

Donald Trump's plane, Trump Force One, has now arrived in Washington DC.

The 45th president could be seen mouthing the words "thank you," as he stepped out of the aircraft under an overcast sky.

The E Barrett Prettyman courthouse, where he is due to be arraigned, is around five miles away.

Trump, 77, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington on Tuesday.

Mr Trump boarding Trump Force One earlier today (AP)

Jack Smith hopes for 'speedy trial' and alleged co-conspirator not off the hook

Special Counsel Jack Smith, in charge of the investigations into Mr Trump, has said he hopes for a "speedy trial."

Mr Smith said the former president "must be assumed innocent until proven guilty."

Legal scholars have suggested that the four counts against Mr Trump and the decision not to charge his alleged co-conspirators may have been taken in order to make sure the trial takes place before the next election.

If Mr Trump were to win the next election before the trial, he could order the prosecution to be stopped.

Not indicting the alleged conspirators doesn't mean they won't face charges. Experts said they believed the alleged conspirators stand a strong chance of being indicted and going on trial, perhaps after Trump faces a jury.

“It doesn't mean they are off the hook,” said Randall Eliason, a former federal prosecutor who is a George Washington University law professor. "It's just a question of timing and tactics. ... The prosecution is very clearly saying, ‘I’ve got you in my sights.’”

Special Counsel Jack Smith (AFP via Getty Images)

The alleged co-conspirators

Trump calls for trial to be moved

Donald Trump's legal woes

Today's arraignment is the third criminal case brought against Mr Trump in just six months.

Earlier this year, he was charged with falsifying business records in connection to a hush money payment paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

The trial for that case is due to begin on March 25 next year.

He also faces 37 counts of illegally retaining classified documents and obstructing the US government’s efforts to get them back.

The 37 charges against him include 31 alleged violations of the Espionage Act. He entered a not-guilty plea in a Miami federal court in June. That trial will begin on May 20, 2024.

He denies all of the charges against him and, confirming his departure from New Jersey earlier today, told his followers he needs "just one more indictment to ensure my election."

Mr Trump arriving at the Manhattan Criminal Court courtroom in New York on April 4 (AFP via Getty Images)

Mike Pence hits back at Donald Trump

Former Vice President Mike Pence has hit back at his former boss in the wake of the indictment.

The former political allies are up against each other to secure the next Republican nomination to run for the presidency in 2024.

The indictment accused Mr Trump and six co-conspirators of an attempt to dupe Mr Pence with fake electors to reject the election results. Mr Pence was due to perform a ceremonial role to certify the election in Congress on January 6.

"Contemporaneous notes" from Mr Pence were cited by prosecutors in the indictment, which lists a number of conversations between Mr Trump and Mr Pence. In one call on January 1, Trump supposedly told Mr Pence, “You’re too honest,” according to the indictment.

Since then, the Pence campaign team has begun selling 'too honest' merchandise.

NEW: Mike Pence selling “TOO HONEST” merch in wake of Trump indictment

According to the Special Counsel, Trump called Pence on New Year’s Day in 2021 and “berated him.” When Pence said he didn’t have the authority to return or reject votes, Trump told him, “You’re too honest.” pic.twitter.com/srGkmJWuMG

— Libby Cathey (@libbycathey) August 3, 2023

In a statement released after the indictment was confirmed, Mr Pence said: "Our country is more important than one man. Our constitution is more important than any one man's career."

Mike Pence is also in the running for the Republican nomination (AFP via Getty Images)

The charges against Donald Trump

Mr Trump faces four counts in the latest indictment, which are:

• Conspiracy to defraud the United States
• Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding
• Obstruction of an official proceeding
• Conspiracy against rights

The count one charge, conspiracy to defraud the United States, is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The obstruction charge against Trump carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Over 100 people have pleaded guilty or been convicted of this change in relation to the January 6 riot.

The conspiracy against rights charge, meanwhile, carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and dates back to a post-Civil War law designed to stop racists from stopping black voters from casting their ballot.

Rioters clash with police on January 6, 2021 (AFP via Getty Images)

When will Donald Trump appear in court?

Donald Trump is due to appear in a federal court in Washington DC at 4pm local time. That is 9pm in the UK.

Mr Trump confirmed he has already left his home in Bedminster, New Jersey via private plane.

He will appear at the same courthouse where over 1,000 of his supporters have been charged with federal crimes in relation to the January 6, 2021 riots.

Mr Trump will appear at the same court where over 1,000 of his supporters have been charged (AP)

Charges are a 'great honour' - Trump

Donald Trump responded to the arraignment due later today by telling his followers it is a "great honour" to be arrested for the charges against him.

On his Truth Social media platform, Mr Trump continued to falsely claim the 2020 presidential election was "rigged" and "stolen."

He said: "I AM NOW GOING TO WASHINGTON D.C, TO BE ARRESTED FOR HAVING CHALLENGED A CORRUPT, RIGGED, AND STOLEN ELECTION. IT IS A GREAT HONOR BECAUSE I AM BEING ARRESTED FOR YOU. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

There is no evidence that backs up the former president's claims.

Mr Trump called the 2020 election 'corrupt' (The Washington Post via Getty Images)