Trump pleads not guilty: 'This is a very sad day for America'

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.

Trump appeared before a magistrate judge in Washington’s federal courthouse two days after being indicted on four felony counts by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. In a criminal case seen as the most historically consequential of the three that he faces, Trump stands accused of trying to subvert the will of voters and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory before Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent clash with law enforcement.

Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, sat stern-faced with his hands folded, shaking his head at times as he conferred with an attorney and occasionally glancing around the courtroom as his court appearance began. He stood up to enter his “not guilty” plea, answered perfunctory questions from the judge and thanked her at the conclusion of the arraignment.

The indictment charges Trump with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo his presidential election loss, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The charges could lead to a yearslong prison sentence in the event of a conviction.

Trump spoke to media members after entering his pleas, saying: "This is a very sad day for America. And it was also very sad driving through Washington DC and seeing the filth and the decay. And all of the broken buildings and walls and the graffiti. This is not the place that I left. It's 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's leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot. So if you can't beat him, you persecute him or you prosecute him. We can't let this happen in America, thank you very much."

[marylaistirland]

It’s very sad for America because Trump is still at large.

[larry-kpsp]

He left 1.5 million in damage to the Capitol building.

[adcdjd]

We're all partying like it's 1969.

[laticialockleer]

It's more of a "sad day" for you with 3 indictments so far!

[MrNando]

This is the greatest day "In the history of this country"

[kokomo]

Donny, maybe they will clean it up while you are in prison.

[lauriemeads]

This is a sad day to see a former president in this position, but he has to be held accountable. Hopefully he gets a fair trial and has to pay for his crimes if he’s found guilty. He has gotten away with to much and maybe he will be held accountable. I don’t actually think he’s ever been made to face his crimes but I also don’t believe he’s going to see a day in prison due to his wealth, anyone else would be held until trial is complete.

[irgus]

It'd have less sad if he plead guilty.

[ThanhTran-lhhp]

You are wrong Donald Trump. I think this is good new for America and the Americans

[davidgruver]

It would be a sad day for america if trump got back in. Autocrat get out.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[besj]

Every one of you Trump haters will eventually open you eyes, he was a great president! Look at the mess we have now!

[J]

Which Hunt ! None of these BS charges will stick. 🫏🫏🫏
God bless President Trump!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸MAGA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[concretedragon]

One more indictment and Trump will be so popular 2024 will be a cakewalk for him.

[shaneallen]

Yeah its very sad that he's allowed to walk the streets of America after committing the most crimes in America.

[Matt-fluy]

No, this is when the Constitution punches back for Jan 6 and those lies!

[gregoryverbeek]

It's because of you trump, you left the country a mess . 👍👍💯

[marcaquino]

You should try a luxurious jail cell like in the Philippines. You can upgrade it too with some amenities. You have the money. Hail to Donald Trump, pangulo sa kulungan 2024. Sana yung sumusunod nga opisina mo'y ay sa celda.

[garypeters]

after 4 indictments, isn't the 5th one free?

[cass]

will be a great day if he's found guilty, lock him up

[zsqvvbw]

Sad day for America? Why? Because you’re being indicted? If you’re innocent America has nothing to worry about but if you’re convicted then it’s a sad day for America 🇺🇸 having you as president.