Trump rails against 'criminal' Alvin Bragg in address to nation following arraignment

During CNN's wall-to-wall coverage of Trump's arraignment, former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's indictments a "disappointment." 

"If I had to characterize it, it's disappointment. I think everyone was hoping we would see more about the direction that they intend to take this prosecution. What is the legal theory that ties that very solid misdemeanor case 34 counts of misdemeanors to the intent to conceal another crime, which is what makes it a felony?" McCabe said.

"It simply isn't there. Now, it's possible that the DA has an elaborate and solid theory that's backed up by a lot of evidence, and he has just decided to conceal that at this point. That would be a strange decision on his part, but nevertheless I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. At the end of the day if all of our legal friends read this indictment and don't see a way to have felony, it's hard to imagine convincing a jury that they should get there."

Former President Donald Trump addresses the nation at Mar-a-Lago following his arraignment in a Manhattan court. (Fox News)

Former President Donald Trump addressed the nation Tuesday evening after pleading "not guilty" to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records during his arraignment in a New York courtroom.

Trump took to the stage, surrounded by a cheering crowd of supporters, after returning to his Mar-a-Lago, Florida home.

In the speech, he called called for New York district attorney Alvin Bragg, who he called a "criminal," to face charges over leaked details of his indictment.

Trump also suggested the case was brought to interfere with the 2024 presidential election, and said it had been "hell" on his family.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., called for New York district attorney Alvin Bragg to be disbarred and removed from office following Tuesday's arraignment of former President Trump.

"Alvin Bragg should be disbarred and removed from office. This is an egregious abuse of the legal system for political purposes and threatens the fabric of our judicial system," Massie tweeted.

Prominent liberals in news media, Hollywood and on social media took to Twitter Tuesday to celebrate the arrest of former President Donald Trump.

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Tuesday was a frustrating day for supporters of the former president who believe that the charges brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg constitute a political hit job carried out to hobble his presidential campaign. But liberals celebrated the day. 

The Nation correspondent and frequent MSNBC guest Elie Mystal expressed sincere gratitude for the Manhattan District Attorney making the indictment and arrest happen. 

He tweeted, "Just want to put down the 3d chess board for a second and give Alvin Bragg his flowers for finally getting this done. MANY law enforcement officials and agencies have had probable cause to do this over the last 40 years. Bragg finally did it."

Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks at a hearing with the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Capitol Hill on March 1, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Former President Trump’s allies in Congress say his Tuesday arrest in New York City is an attack on the rule of law and the U.S. justice system, after they embattled Republican leader plead "not guilty" to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Many also heaped criticism on District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case against Trump, and accused him of being funded and controlled by billionaire Democratic donor George Soros.

"The arrest and arraignment of former President Donald Trump by a left-wing Soros prosecutor today is making a mockery of the rule of law. Not only is the indictment frivolous, this political persecution marks a dark day for our country," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said soon after the ex-commander-in-chief turned himself in to a downtown Manhattan courthouse.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., led calls for calm after the arraignment of former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Tuesday called for cool heads and a fair legal process shortly after Donald Trump made history as the first former president ever to face criminal charges.

"I believe that Mr. Trump will have a fair trial that follows the facts and the law," Schumer said in a statement. "There’s no place in our justice system for any outside influence or intimidation in the legal process. As the trial proceeds, protest is an American right but all protests must be peaceful."

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clashed with New York Times correspondent Michael Shear over the Biden administration not commenting on the indictment against former President Trump. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

New York Times reporter Michael Shear had a heated clash with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre over what he suggested was the Biden administration's selective silence when it comes to responding to legal matters involving former President Trump. 

At Tuesday's White House press briefing, Jean-Pierre repeatedly deflected questions about the 34 felony charges Trump is facing leveled by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg involving the 2016 hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

However, Shear grilled her what "the difference" was between commenting on the Trump indictment versus the White House's outspokenness about Jan. 6, which involved hundreds of criminal probes. 

Jean-Pierre responded by referring to Jan. 6 as a "devastating day" which led to law enforcement being "attacked" and called the events an "attack on democracy."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his defense team in a Manhattan court during his arraignment on April 4, 2023, in New York City, next to one of his attorneys Susan Necheles. ( Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)

Donald Trump's lawyer Susan Necheles sat beside him Tuesday when he was arraigned in a New York City courtroom on an indictment stemming from hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels and other alleged crimes.

Necheles is one of three attorneys defending the former president, who pleaded not guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records – a prosecution that he has called a politically driven "witch-hunt."

To Trump's right at the defense table sat Necheles and Todd Blanche and to his left, Joe Tacopina. 

The motley group of veteran attorneys, who are squaring off for an epic fight against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, couldn't be more eclectic. 

President Biden snickered at a question on former President Trump's indictment. (White House)

President Biden chuckled after a reporter questioned him on the political implications of his predecessor being indicted on Tuesday.

Biden gave remarks in the State Dining Room at the White House prior to a meeting with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology on "the opportunities and the risks of artificial intelligence." After he concluded, reporters shouted out questions, including one about the indictment of former President Trump.

"Is the indictment of your predecessor politically divisive?" a reporter asked.

Biden did not directly respond to the question but instead appeared to snicker as reporters were ushered out of the room for the meeting to begin.

William Barr, U.S. attorney general, speaks during a roundtable discussion with federal, state, and local officials, not pictured, at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump and his Attorney General William Barr have not had a warm relationship since leaving the White House, but following the unsealing of the ex-president's indictment, Barr told Fox News it is clear his former boss is being treated "unjustly."

"As people know, I've had my differences with the president -- But in this situation, I think he's being unjustly treated just as he was by the Russiagate scam and the whole idea of the ‘Resistance’. So I feel bad that this has happened," Barr said Tuesday on "The Story."

"I don't think it's justified. And so at that very human level, I feel bad for him."

A split photo of Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Andrew Harnik-Pool/Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., applauded what she called "social consequences" for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Tuesday, after the GOP congresswoman led a New York City rally protesting the indictment of former President Donald Trump. 

Trump was indicted by a grand jury Thursday over alleged hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal during the 2016 campaign cycle. The former president arrived in New York Monday ahead of his court appearance, prompting political protests to break out in the streets outside the courthouse.

With a megaphone in hand, Greene led a rally outside the New York City courthouse to protest the indictment and support Trump before his arraignment Tuesday, but progressive representative AOC blasted her efforts as "shameless bigotry."

Former President Donald Trump was charged Tuesday in a Manhattan court with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.

Trump, the leading Republican in the 2024 race for the White House, pleaded not guilty to the charges and shortly after departed from New York City for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The charges, which are related to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign, came out of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's years-long investigation.

Former President Donald Trump took to social media following his Tuesday arraignment to rip New York district attorney Alvin Bragg and porn actress Stormy Daniels.

"The hearing was shocking to many in that they had no 'surprises,' and therefore, no case. Virtually every legal pundit has said that there is no case here. There was nothing done illegally!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

"Alvin Bragg shut down New York City, brought in 38,000 NYPD officers, and will spend an estimated $200,000,000 of NYC funds, for a totally legal $130,000 NDA. On top of all that, the 9th Circuit Court just awarded me $122,000 — over the $500,000 already awarded, from Stormy 'Horseface' Daniels!" he wrote.

Trump also said he was on his way back to his home in Palm Beach, Florida and would be delivering remarks from Mar-a-Lago at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg addresses reporters Tuesday following former President Donald Trump's arraignment hearing. (Fox News)

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleged Tuesday that former President Donald Trump conducted a "catch and kill" scheme to suppress negative information about himself during the 2016 presidential election.

Bragg's comments, delivered during a press conference Tuesday following Trump's historic arraignment, shed additional light on the charges levied against the former commander-in-chief. The indictment in the case, unsealed during the arraignment, includes 34 felony counts for falsification of business records.

Bragg alleged that Trump falsified business documents between 2015 and 2017 to hide payments to individuals, including adult film actress Stormy Daniels, with negative information about Trump, thereby "catching" the information and "killing" it with hush money payments.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) leaves the Senate floor after voting yes on a procedural vote on federal legislation protecting same-sex marriages, at the U.S. Capitol on November 16, 2022t, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, slammed Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg following former President Trump's arraignment on Tuesday.

“I believe President Trump’s character and conduct make him unfit for office. Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda," Romney said in a statement.

"No one is above the law, not even former presidents, but everyone is entitled to equal treatment under the law. The prosecutor’s overreach sets a dangerous precedent for criminalizing political opponents and damages the public’s faith in our justice system," he said.

“The charges and evidence will be duly considered and the outcome decided by a jury with an obligation to fulfill its responsibility with the utmost care and impartiality. The American voters will ultimately render their own judgment on the former President’s political future," he said.

He then called on all elected leaders to "discourage violence and anger" as a response to the charges against Trump.

Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump, who sit at the heart of a potential historic first indictment against a former U.S. president. (AP)

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday was awarded nearly $122,000 in attorney fees from Stormy Daniels, the porn star at the center of hush money payment during the 2016 campaign. 

The former president’s son, Eric Trump, tweeted that the 9th Circuit has awarded Donald Trump $121,962.56 in attorney fees from Daniels. 

The younger Trump said that amount was in addition to the roughly half a million that she already owes his father. 

Stefanik predicted that Trump would defeat "this latest witch-hunt" (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY, tore into the "shameful arrest" of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, calling it an "unprecedented and chilling chapter" in the abuse of the legal system by left-wing officials.

"The shameful arrest of President Trump is an unprecedented and chilling chapter in the Left’s weaponization of the justice system against their leading political opponent," she said.

Trump was arraigned Tuesday in a NYC courtroom and faces 34 charges related to falsifying business records.

Trump and Republican allies have accused the Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg of launching a politicized attack on Trump -- who is running for president in 2024.

Stefanik echoed those attacks.

"This dangerous and illegal overreach by a radical DA has completely backfired for the corrupt Far Left Democrats who would rather desperately tear apart the fabric of our country than face President Trump at the ballot box," Stefanik said.

"The American people are smart, and they know this is politically charged and that President Trump will defeat these charges in court and turn the tables on the Far Left Democrats by exposing their corruption and abuse of power," she said. "President Trump continues to skyrocket in the polls, and just like with the Russia hoax and both sham impeachments, President Trump will defeat this latest witch-hunt, defeat Joe Biden, and will be sworn in as President of the United States of America in January 2025."

Former President Donald Trump took off from LaGuardia Airport for the return journey to Florida after his arraignment in a New York court on Tuesday.

The former president pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to accounting of alleged hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels at the height of the 2016 election.

Trump is expected to speak to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago home later Tuesday evening.

Some legal experts had speculated before Tuesday’s arraignment that Trump may be subject to a gag order limiting what he could publicly say about the case, but Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the proceedings, declined to put the restriction in place.

Former President Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Former President Donald Trump is facing a slew of charges relating to falsifying business records, which combined carry a total maximum sentence of 136 years in prison.

Trump was arraigned Tuesday in a NYC courtroom on charges of falsifying business records related to alleged hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Those charges are class E felonies, each carrying a maximum sentence of four years.

However, with 34 counts being faced by the former president it means a maximum sentence of up to 136 years in jail.

Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday afternoon.

Stormy Daniels reacted to former President Donald Trump's arraignment with an X-rated tweet. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images/Photo by Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)

Porn actress Stormy Daniels reacted to former President Donald Trump's arraignment in a Manhattan court on Tuesday with a vulgar tweet gloating over not being "under arrest."

"Y'all keep saying ‘c-- dumpster’ like it's a bad thing," Daniels tweeted. "It's definitely more fun being under my sexy man instead of under arrest." 

It's unclear to whom she was directing the tweet.

Former President Donald Trump’s attorneys decried indictment against his client that was unsealed Tuesday, calling the charges “disappointing.”

“It’s not a good day – I don’t expect this to happen in this country,” lawyer Todd Blanche said after exiting the New York court room, according to reporting from the New York Post. “The indictment itself is boilerplate. It’s really disappointing. It’s sad and we’ll fight it."

Another one of the former president's attorney's, echoed those remarks, arguing the indictment against Trump "has no facts in it."

Asked how Trump was reacting to the charges, Blanche said the former president's "reaction is exactly what would happen if it happened to anyone else…he’s frustrated, he’s upset. But I’ll tell you what, he’s motivated."

“It’s not gonna stop him,” he added.

Former President Donald Trump leaves his hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 4, 2023. (ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump did not speak with reporters on Tuesday amid his appearance in a New York court, either before or after his arraignment before the judge.

Trump, who was shown on tape entering and exiting the courtroom with reporters standing just feet away, faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. He pleaded not guilty before State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.

Trump also refused to offer comments to reporters on two other occassions — both when he left Trump Tower to go to court and later when he departed from the Manhattan court to fly home to Mar-a-Lago.

Prior to arriving for arraignment, Trump reportedly wanted to offer a statement to the reporters who had gathered at the Manhattan court.

Last Thursday, Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury after a years-long investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office.

Trump, the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges, traveled to New York on Monday for his arraingment in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Trump lashed out at the "unfair" court venue ahead of the arraignment, as well as the judge presiding over the case. He also suggested the case should be "moved to nearby Staten Island."

Fox News' Adam Shaw contributed to this update.

The campaign of former President Donald Trump, left, is using his arraignment in New York to fundraise for his 2024 White House bid. (Trump campaign, Save America, Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)

Donald Trump's campaign is using the arraignment in New York on Tuesday to fundraise for the former president's 2024 White House bid.

In an email to his supporters, Trump's 2024 team touted a new t-shirt featuring a fake mugshot of the former president just shortly after he arrived to the Manhattan courthouse.

The mugshot, which was created using Trump's official presidential portrait, was placed on t-shirts for sale with the words "NOT GUILTY" written underneath it.

Supporters hoping to obtain their very own t-shirt can do so by making at least a $47 contribution to his campaign, or by purchasing one from the online store.

April 4, 2023: Former President Trump entering the courtroom in lower Manhattan.

Former President Donald Trump ignored reporters while entering the courtroom ahead of his arraignment on Tuesday.

He could be seen for a period of just a few seconds walking into the courtroom after his legal team following his processing at the courthouse.

Trump is being arraigned in court after surrendering to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office earlier in the afternoon.

President Biden is "not focused" on former President Trump's surrender and arraignment in New York City this week, the White House says. (Getty Images)

President Biden is "not focused" on former President Trump's surrender and arraignment, but he may catch "parts of it" on television, the White House said Tuesday.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during a briefing Tuesday that Biden was focused on "the American people," not Trump's legal troubles.

"Can you give us any sense of how President Biden is taking all of this in?" a reporter asked.

"We're not going to comment specifically on the case itself, but, look, the president is going to focus on the American people, like he does every day," Jean-Pierre responded. "This is not something that is a focus for him. He is going to focus on things like making sure that we continue to lower prices for the American people."

"Of course, this is playing out on many of the networks here on a daily basis for hours and hours. So, obviously, he will catch part of the news when he has a moment to catch up on the news of the day," Jean-Pierre continued. "But this is not his focus for today."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his defense team in a Manhattan court during his arraignment on April 4, 2023, in New York City. (Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)

The very first photo of former President Donald Trump in a New York courtroom has surfaced as he faces charges brought about by the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

In the photo, Trump, who pleaded not guilty, was shown sitting next to his legal team.

The former president of the United States was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury Thursday after a years-long investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

On Tuesday he was transported from Trump Tower to the courtroom in lower Manhattan, which he described as "surreal." There he was processed and is now being arraigned before Judge Juan Merchan, the trial judge presiding over the case, in the courtroom on the 15th floor of 100 Centre Street in New York City.

Trump was not handcuffed, as some are during an arraignment, and did not have a mugshot taken. Detectives handled the arrest of the former president.

Fox News' Adam Shaw contributed to this article.

April 4, 2023: Former President Trump is being processed in lower Manhattan.

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday is being arraigned in court after surrendering to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office earlier in the afternoon.

The former president of the United States was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury Thursday after a years-long investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

On Tuesday he was transported from Trump Tower to the courtroom in lower Manhattan, which he described as "surreal." There he was processed and is now being arraigned before Judge Juan Merchan, the trial judge presiding over the case, in the courtroom on the 15th floor of 100 Centre Street in New York City.

Trump was not handcuffed, as some are during an arraignment, and did not have a mugshot taken. Detectives handled the arrest of the former president.

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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg listens at news conference in New York, Feb. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has entered the NYC courthouse where former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday afternoon.

Bragg, who has come under fire from Trump over his indictment, entered the court as Trump was believed to be being processed and fingerprinted ahead of the arraignment.

Trump recently accused the DA of having “illegally leaked” details of Trump’s case.

"Wow! District Attorney Bragg just illegally LEAKED the various points, and complete information, on the pathetic Indictment against me," Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday. "I know the reporter and so, unfortunately, does he. This means that he MUST BE IMMEDIATELY INDICTED. Now, if he wants to really clean up his reputation, he will do the honorable thing and, as District Attorney, INDICT HIMSELF."

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) called out "weaponized" district attorneys ahead of former President Donald Trump's arraignment, Tuesday, warning on "America's Newsroom" that prosecutors like Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg are out to "steal" the freedoms of Americans. Blagojevich has maintained his innocence on corruption charges after his prison sentence was commuted by then-President Trump in 2020.

Donald Trump exits Trump Tower, April 4, 2023. The former US President will head to Manhattan Criminal Court for his arraignment following an indictment last week. (Felipe Ramales for Fox News Digital)

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday described a "surreal" journey to the NYC courtroom in lower Manhattan where he is now being processed ahead of an arraignment.

"Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse," he said on Truth Social as he made his way from Trump Tower to the courtroom.

"Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME," he said. "Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!"

Trump is being processed and then escorted to Justice Juan Merchan’s courtroom for the arraignment proceedings, which are scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. and take about 15-30 minutes.

He had avoided the need for handcuffs or for a mugshot, yet the arraignment has been surrounded by a media firestorm after Trump became the first president to be indicted.

The details of Trump’s indictment are still sealed, though the case centers around alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump is expected to plead not guilty to the charges.

Supporters of Former President Donald Trump gather in front of assembled media and onlookers. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) outside Manhattan Criminal Court, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York.

Jason Miller, a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, was live-tweeting the journey from Trump Tower to the Manhattan court where the former president will be arraigned on Tuesday.

Miller tweeted a number of pictures as the Trump motorcade made its way downtown through Manhattan to the New York City courtroom.

Miller posted the images with American flags and fist emojis.

"POTUS 45 is rolling!" he tweeted.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg listens at news conference in New York, Feb. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office appears to have scrubbed the "Meet Our Team" portion of its website ahead of Former President Donald Trump's appearance in court on Tuesday afternoon.

In what used to be the DA team members' section that shows their previous experience and affiliations, only a "Not Found" page now appears, with additional writing that states: "Nothing found for the requested page. Try a search instead?"

The office also removed the "Meet Our Team" tab from its "About Our Office" portion of its site.

The deletion means that individuals who may search for the Manhattan DA team as Trump faces arraignment will come up empty-handed. 

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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, during a rally in support of former US President Donald Trump in New York, US, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Trump, the first former US president to be indicted, will plead not guilty when he appears in a Manhattan state court Tuesday to face criminal charges, his defense lawyer said. (Stephanie Keith)

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., lead a rally in New York City Tuesday to protest the indictment of former President Donald Trump, as he prepares for a court appearance.

Trump was indicted Thursday over claims he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal while campaigning for president in 2016, making him the first president in American history to face criminal charges. 

The former president and 2024 presidential candidate traveled to New York City Monday, prompting protests to break in support and against the looming arraignment.

Greene, a longtime supporter of Trump, journeyed from the Peach State to the Big Apple to rally outside the barricaded courthouse and protest the charges brought against the former president.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., posted a video to social media on Tuesday ahead of former President Trump's arraignment, lamenting that it would mark a "new normal" in the state of American politics.

"Put aside for a moment whether you like Trump or not like him, whether you're for him or not for him. Today is a bad day for all of us. Today, American politics crosses a line that it's never going to come back from," Rubio said.

"After today, every prosecutor in America that wants to make a name for themselves now is going to have permission to basically go after someone in the other party," he said.

Rubio added that "nothing" would now stop a Republican or conservative prosecutor from going after the Bidens or the Clintons because, as of today, a "new normal" had been set.

He then called the charges against Trump "absurd," and ripped that they were based on the testimony of "convicted liar" Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney.

"People see this for what it is. It's political, but it's more than just political. It's poison to our country. It will permanently change politics in America forever. We are going to regret this day, whether you like Trump or not, we are going to regret this day for a very long time," he said.

"We are setting a new normal, a damaging new normal that is going to disfigure American politics and put us on a destructive road. We are going to regret this day for a very, very long time," he added.

International newspapers are displayed at a newsstand following former President Donald Trump's indictment by a Manhattan grand jury in New York City, March 31, 2023. (Reuters/Mike Segar)

World leaders have been notably quiet on the historical indictment of former U.S. President Donald Trump as he prepares to head into a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday, though the same cannot be said for world news outlets.

Despite the almost ambivalent response to Trump’s arraignment from international leaders, social media and traditional media outlets have been racing to keep up with the flurry of click-worthy news for readers abroad.

France’s top publication Le Monde on Tuesday broke down what Trump has been investigated for in a case that has been five years in the making in a report dubbed "Trump: The main investigations threatening the former US president."

The French outlet has been covering Trump’s case since he was first indicted last week, with one editorial report calling it "A new test for an American democracy under strain."

But France is not the only European nation to take an immediate interest in the former president’s historical indictment.

Germany’s DW dedicated an entire front page sector, positioned right below its top breaking news headlines, to Trump’s legal woes.

The Times of London on Tuesday similarly had a live portion of its website dedicated to Trump updates headlined, "New York braced for protests as Trump to face court."

Other outlets, like the British Broadcasting Corporation, also highlighted the indictment and the Tuesday Manhattan showdown.

Police officers secure the perimeter outside Manhattan Criminal Court, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Former President Donald Trump will not be required to provide a mugshot ahead of his arraignment on Tuesday, Fox News understands.

A federal official familiar with information the Secret Service has received tells Fox News' Jake Gibson that Trump will be processed and fingerprinted before the arraignment. However, it is the Secret Service's understanding that District Attorney Alvin Bragg has waived the need for a mugshot.

There had been speculation in the weeks leading up to the indictment that Trump could be handcuffed and made to provide a mugshot when arraigned. Both of those outcomes appear to have been avoided.

Fox News learned last week that Trump had made arrangements with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office to surrender without handcuffs ahead of the arraignment.

Former President Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower in New York, Monday, April 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)

Former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in speaking to the media in the hallway outside the New York City courtroom this afternoon, Fox News has learned.

Per Fox News' Jake Gibson, a federal official says that any remarks would likely be a comment in passing, not a full-blown gaggle. Trump has expressed interest in speaking to the media in the hallway either on his way into court or both, the source said.

Trump will be processed and fingerprinted before the arraignment, but it is the Secret Service’s understanding that DA Alvin Bragg has waived the need for a mugshot.

The Trump supporter falls to the ground on the anti-Trump banner. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

A woman wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat fell to the ground after trampling an anti-Trump flag strewn across the ground near the New York City courthouse where former President Trump is set to be arraigned Tuesday.

According to photos of the chaotic scene, the Trump supporter ran across and grabbed a large banner with the words "TRUMP LIES ALL THE TIME" written on it. She then fell onto the ground and laid on the flag before she was confronted by protesters wearing shirts calling for the arrest of the former president.

The scuffles between Trump supporters and protesters came ahead of Trump's highly-anticipated arrival to the court for an arraignment hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. 

Former President Trump was indicted last week by a Manhattan grand jury after a years-long investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. (James Devaney/GC Images)

Top House Republicans on Tuesday argued that it would be unconstitutional for a judge to put a gag order on former President Trump as the legal case against him proceeds in New York, and said such an order would "further demonstrate the weaponization of the New York justice system."

Trump will be arraigned in New York on Tuesday afternoon, presumably for charges related to hush money payments his lawyer made that his business marked down as a legal expense. A decision by the judge to put a gag order on Trump would bar him from discussing the case, and in New York violations of a gag order can lead to a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio and House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., argued Tuesday that a gag order would be "unconstitutional."

"To put any restrictions on the ability of President Trump to discuss his mistreatment at the hands of this politically motivated prosecutor would only further demonstrate the weaponization of the New York justice system," the lawmakers said.

"To even contemplate stifling the speech of the former commander in chief and current candidate for President is at odds with everything America stands for," they added.

The former president is excepted to arrive in court this afternoon for an arraignment scheduled for 2:15 p.m. before acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan. Trump was indicted last week by a grand jury following a years-long investigation Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

A supporter of former US President Donald Trump, center, and a protestor clash outside criminal court in New York, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. (Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A handful of pro-Trump and anti-Trump protesters scuffled with one another outside of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse building on Tuesday ahead of former President Donald Trump's expected arraignment.

Amid the clash, one woman in a Make America Great Again hat was shown on video walking on a large banner stretched across the ground that read: "Trump Lies All The Time."

Trump is expected to surrender himself to the Manhattan District’s Office for his arraignment, which is scheduled at 2:15 p.m.Trump will likely use a side entrance to the courthouse at 1 Hogan Place that is not accessible to the public around 1 p.m., roughly an hour before legal proceedings are set to begin.

The arraignment, which will be presided over by Justice Juan Merchan, will take about 15 to 30 minutes, while Trump is expected to plead not guilty to charges revolving around alleged hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Fox News' Michael Lee contributed to this update.

Donald Trump's outspoken defense lawyer Joe Tacopina has taken center stage in the wake of the former president's Manhattan indictment over alleged hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The brash Brooklynite, with a roster of high profile clients from rapper Meek Mill to former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, has become the face of Trump's legal fight against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. 

The defense team also includes Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche, whose surprise addition was announced Monday.

On the eve of Trump's unprecedented arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court – the first time a former U.S. president will face criminal charges –-Tacopina spoke to Fox News Digital about the case and his career.

After Trump flew in to New York City from Palm Beach, Tacopina was one of the first people to meet with him.

"[He's] still in disbelief," Tacopina said of the 2024 Republican presidential candidate's reaction to the charges. "But he's in a fighting mood, he's ready to go, he's a tough guy."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, a Republican from Georgia, during a rally in support of former US President Donald Trump in New York, April 4, 2023. (Javier Alvarez/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Reps. Jamaal Brown, D-N.Y., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. have both arrived outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump is set to appear for his arraignment later Tuesday.

According to Brooklyn political reporter Henry Rosoff, Greene arrived and was jockeying for position among a large and chaotic crowd, with counter protesters attempting to drown out the Georgia Republican.

During a Monday press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams specifically called out Greene while advising those coming to New York City to protest to "control yourselves."

"Although we have no specific threats,  people like [Georgia Rep.] Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is known to spread misinformation and hate speech, says she's coming to town," Adams said. "While you in town, be on your best behavior."

Brown, who recently had a high-profile dust up with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., in the halls of Congress over gun control, has also arrived outside the courthouse, according to CBS News, who reported the New York Democrat had a "throng" of people surrounding him upon his arrival.

Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York, speaks to members of the media outside criminal court in New York, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. (Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., made a surprise appearance outside of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on Tuesday to show support for former President Donald Trump ahead of his expected arraignment.

Santos was shown on video walking down the street near the courthouse amid a swarm of reporters.

"I'm not here for the cameras. I'm here to support the president of the United States who's being unfairly attacked by our DA," Santos told reporters.

Further decribing his appearance at the courthouse, Santos said he believes that New Yorkers should "see that their representative supports the rule of law."

"This DA refuses to take criminals off the streets, but wants to stretch a misdemaneor into a felony," Santos said.

Constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley joins 'America's Newsroom' ahead of the unsealing of the indictment of former President Donald Trump.

Trump is scheduled to be arraigned later on Tuesday in a lower Manhattan courtroom after being indicted last week by a grand jury.

Former President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at Trump Tower in New York on April 3, 2023. (ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believes the "unfair venue" in Manhattan is not best suited for his arraignment, suggesting the case should be "moved to nearby Staten Island."

Trump's comments, made in a post to TruthSocial, come ahead of his expected arriagnment in Manhattan on Tuesday.

"VERY UNFAIR VENUE, WITH SOME AREAS THAT VOTED 1% REPUBLICAN. THIS CASE SHOULD BE MOVED TO NEARBY STATEN ISLAND - WOULD BE A VERY FAIR AND SECURE LOCATION FOR THE TRIAL,"  Trump wrote on Truth Social. "ADDITIONALLY, THE HIGHLY PARTISAN JUDGE & HIS FAMILY ARE WELL KNOWN TRUMP HATERS. HE WAS AN UNFAIR DISASTER ON A PREVIOUS TRUMP RELATED CASE, WOULDN’T RECUSE, GAVE HORRIBLE JURY INSTRUCTIONS, & IMPOSSIBLE TO DEAL WITH DURING THE WITCH HUNT TRIAL. HIS DAUGHTER WORKED FOR “KAMALA” & NOW THE BIDEN-HARRIS CAMPAIGN. KANGAROO COURT!!!"

Trump is expected to turn himself in to the Manhattan District’s Office for his arraignment, which is scheduled at 2:15 p.m. The former president will likely use a side entrance to the courthouse at 1 Hogan Place that is not accessible to the public around 1 p.m., roughly an hour before legal proceedings are set to begin.

The arraignment, which will be presided over by Justice Juan Merchan, will take about 15 to 30 minutes, while Trump is expected to plead not guilty to charges revolving around alleged hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Fox News' Michael Lee contributed to this update.

Correspondent Bryan Llenas reports the latest on the day's timeline from the Manhattan criminal courthouse.

Former President Donald Trump is due to be arraigned later Tuesday afternoon after his indictment last week by a grand jury.

Former President Trump was indicted last week by a Manhattan grand jury after a years-long investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump is expected to offer remarks to reporters while he is in New York for arraignment on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

"Trump attorney Chris Kise says the former president is 'resilient, upbeat, and is determined as ever to fight off drivers of injustice.' He says he expects Trump to speak to cameras at the courthouse ahead of a larger speech tonight when he returns to Mar-a-Lago," Cayle Thompson, an anchor for The National Desk, wrote in a tweet.

Trump is already slated to deliver Tuesday evening remarks about the arraignment from his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach.

New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan said the court would allow a "limited number" of videographers, photographers and radio journalists to be present but denied the motion to allow photos or live video during the court session.

Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this update.

Barricades placed outside Manhattan courthouse, Trump Tower ahead of arraignment.

Former President Donald Trump is due to be arraigned at the courthouse later Tuesday after he was indicted last week by a grand jury.

Democrats have given former President Donald Trump an unintended political boost with the criminal indictment and upcoming arraignment Tuesday as polls show more voters rallying behind the current 2024 GOP front-runner, a veteran political pollster and strategist  said Monday."

There’s a nexus between Americans that are bullied by the government and an increase in popularity," said Craig Keshishian, who worked as a White House pollster during the Reagan administration, on "Tucker Carlson Tonight."

"We’ve seen that clearly. Quite succinctly with the [Bill] Clinton case. Clinton was really on the rocks for a good chunk of that presidency. When the Republicans started to gang up on him, it actually worked to his benefit in the end… so we’re seeing this as an exemplar of that general theory," Keshishian added. "Americans don’t mind bullies. But they do not like to be bullied. Therein lies the difference and Trump is now the beneficiary of that."

Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney, center left, arrives at court in New York, on April 4, 2023. (Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg arrived to court in New York City on Tuesday ahead of former President Donald Trump's expected arraignment.

Amid a heightened security presence in the Big Apple, Bragg was shown on video exiting a vehicle and quickly entering the courthouse as tensions rise over the indictment of Trump.

Trump is expected to turn himself in Tuesday to the Manhattan District’s Office for his arraignment, which is scheduled at 2:15 p.m. The former president will likely use a side entrance to the courthouse at 1 Hogan Place that is not accessible to the public around 1 p.m., roughly an hour before legal proceedings are set to begin.

The arraignment, which will be presided over by Justice Juan Merchan, will take about 15 to 30 minutes, while Trump is expected to plead not guilty to charges revolving around alleged hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Fox News' Michael Lee contributed to this update.

OutKick host Tomi Lahren joins 'Fox & Friends First' ahead of former President Trump's arraignment in Manhattan and argues the indictment is 'one of the best things that could happen' to Trump's campaign.

Former President Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in Tuesday to the Manhattan District’s Office for his arraignment, which is scheduled at 2:15 p.m.

The former president will likely use a side entrance to the courthouse at 1 Hogan Place that is not accessible to the public around 1 p.m., roughly an hour before legal proceedings are set to begin.

The arraignment, which will be presided over by Justice Juan Merchan, will take about 15 to 30 minutes, while Trump is expected to plead not guilty to charges revolving around alleged hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Heavy security is expected around the building with a limited amount of press, who will be thoroughly searched, allowed into the facility. The former president will be escorted to the courtroom for the arraignment, then is expected to leave the same way he came in.

From there, Trump plans to fly back to his Florida home to deliver remarks later this evening, though a potential gag order could limit what the former president is able to reveal about his case.

Upon being indicted in New York last week, former President Donald Trump declared that "the USA is now a third-world nation," and other Republicans opposed to the charges accuse the U.S. legal system of being akin to "some third-world banana republic."

But Trump’s indictment – significant as he is the first former U.S. president to be brought up on criminal charges issued by a grand jury – is not all that unprecedented in modern democracies.

Trump now joins the ranks of other former leaders charged following their tenure in office – largely on issues relating to corruption – including the notorious former Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, along with other prominent leaders from democratic nations. 

Berlusconi has been involved in nearly three dozen criminal cases, with one conviction for tax fraud in 2012; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted in 2020 on corruption charges; and former Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was convicted of bribery in 2009.

Dozens of democracies like France, South Korea and Brazil have seen leaders prosecuted for crimes, with nearly 80 nations having seen former leaders jailed or prosecuted over the last 20 years, reported Axios. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who returned to the high office in January after defeating Jair Bolsonaro, was sentenced to 12 years by a federal court on corruption charges in 2018.

Former Fulton County, New York, District Attorney Richard Giardino reacted to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's indictment of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning, ahead of Trump's arraignment in court in the afternoon.

"It will be a circus," Giardino said. "I mean, I don't think we've seen anything like this since OJ Simpson, or the Bill Clinton hearings."

"First of all, Bragg is the wrong person to be bringing this since when he ran for district attorney he ran on a platform that he was going to 'get Trump.'" the sheriff said.

But Giardino also said Trump deserves some blame for the "circus atmosphere."

"Although people have a right to protest, First Amendment right, I think that it sets a lot of individuals up for failure because they'll show up to peacefully protest. And if a few people start, then you could have a situation where people innocently get arrested who showed up to support the president or oppose the president and get swept up in arrests," he explained.

Americans outside Trump Tower reacted to the indictment of former President Trump as he arrived in New York City ahead of his expected arraignment.

"I think the government is messing up, and they think that this is going to help not get Trump elected again," said Alan, from the Bronx. "I think it's going to backfire."

But Bill supported the indictment.

"Yes, he's going to get a fair trial without any doubt," he said. "He's going to be convicted. I don't think he's going do any time in prison but being convicted is fine, and he's not going to win reelection."

"I think its injustice," said Taysha, from New York. "The crime has gone up, murder is going up, carjackings—all crime is going up but this is the thing [Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg] going to focus on?"

"I would prefer that you focus on the people who are pushing people on the subways, knocking people over the head," she added.

Rick, a 34-year New Yorker, sided with Bragg.

"According to Trump, he won't get a fair trial anywhere," he said "He's guilty as hell. He know's he's guilty."

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (L) leaves his office in New York on March 30, 2023. - Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg became the first prosecutor in US history to charge a former or sitting president when he filed his indictment against Donald Trump. The 49-year-old Democrat is no stranger to landmark moments: he is the first Black Manhattan DA, winning election to the post in November 2021. (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump took to social media late Monday evening, the day before he will be arraigned in a New York courtroom, to call for the very district attorney bringing charges against him to be "IMMEDIATELY INDICTED." He also was critical of President Biden.

In a pair of posts, Trump addressed alleged leaks from District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office and said they are ruining his reputation. He then offered an "honorable" fix – indict himself.

"Wow! District Attorney Bragg just illegally LEAKED the various points, and complete information, on the pathetic Indictment against me," Trump unsubstantially wrote on Truth Social. "I know the reporter and so, unfortunately, does he. This means that he MUST BE IMMEDIATELY INDICTED. Now, if he wants to really clean up his reputation, he will do the honorable thing and, as District Attorney, INDICT HIMSELF."

Trump is the first former U.S. president to be indicted. The charges against him are unclear because the indictment is under seal until he is arraigned.

Members of the media wait in line outside criminal court in New York, US, on Tuesday, April 3, 2023. Donald Trump, the first former US president to be indicted, will plead not guilty when he appears in a Manhattan state court Tuesday to face criminal charges, his defense lawyer said. Photographer: Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A judge presiding over Donald Trump’s arraignment in a Manhattan courthouse Tuesday afternoon has denied a request from several media outlets to allow cameras to cover live courtroom proceedings, according to court documents.

"It’ll be a sad day for the public if a judge prevents Americans from seeing their justice system at work, especially in a case where the importance of the outcome, and the interest level of citizens, are huge. The same basic reasons justifying cameras in virtually all cases – sunlight is the best disinfectant; the public is entitled to see every branch of its government at work – apply here," Royal Oakes, a media attorney who argued before judge iIo to keep cameras rolling during OJ Simpson trial, told Fox News Digital.

New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan said the court would allow a "limited number" of videographers, photographers and radio journalists to be present but denied the motion to allow photos or live video during the court session.

However, five pool photographers will be allowed to take pictures for several minutes before the hearing begins.

"The notion that a camera would 'create a circus-like atmosphere' is almost laughable. How about the unique and stunning circumstances of an ex-president (who by the way is RUNNING AGAIN) being indicted – isn’t that pretty much a guaranteed circus? All the camera does is let Americans know what’s really going on in there, as opposed to having to depend on sketch artists and reporters’ observations," Oakes said.

In his ruling, Judge Merchan said he considered "all relevant factors" — which included whether the camera coverage would "interfere with the fair administration of justice… with law enforcement activity, the objections of the Defendant; and limitations related to the physical structure of the courtroom" — but ultimately denied the motion.

He ruled that the integrity of the court’s impartiality outweighed the "monumental significance" of the case and the "unparalleled public interest" it has generated.

Merchan went on to affirm that members of the media will be allowed to enter the courtroom, but electronic items like cellphones would not be permitted.

"Unfortunately judges have nearly total discretion to make the call on cameras – we need to reform the system to create a presumption that the answer will be yes. If the judge can’t explain a rejection of cameras, then supporters should be able to immediately get appellate relief to overturn an unjustified decision," Oakes said.

Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower on April 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Former President Donald Trump will appear before a familiar face in court Tuesday for his arraignment after being formally charged for crimes related to hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

At 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Trump will appear before Judge Juan Merchan for the first preceding in the unprecedented case against the former president. But it won't be the first time Merchan has presided over cases involving Trump and his business dealings.

Merchan was the judge overseeing the case and trial of the Trump Organization and its former CFO, Allen Weisselberg. During that trial last year, Merchan shot down assertions from Trump lawyers that the case was politically motivated, according to CBS News.

"I will not allow you in any way to bring up a selective prosecution claim or claim this is some sort of novel prosecution," Merchan said, later adding that he "will have very little patience at trial any questions that are not in a good-faith basis."

Merchan ultimately sentenced Weisselberg to five months in prison and ordered Trump's companies to pay a $1.6 million fine, the maximum amount under New York state law.

Merchan is also the judge presiding over the fraud case against Steve Bannon in relation to the "We Build the Wall" organization.