Last Update: Apr 05, 2023, 00:10 AM IST
Former President Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower in New York on April 3, 2023. (Image: AP)
The only public event on Biden’s schedule on Tuesday was a meeting with advisers on emerging artificial intelligence technology
The White House said on Tuesday that US President Joe Biden is paying little attention to his predecessor Donald Trump’s criminal charges hearing in New York.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a press briefing, “Obviously he will catch up on his piece of news when he has a moment to catch up on the day’s news but that is not the focus for him.”
The only public event on Biden’s schedule Tuesday was a meeting with advisers on emerging artificial intelligence technology.
The 76-year-old former president turned himself in on Tuesday for a historic court hearing held amid tight security and a global media frenzy, as the Republican billionaire became the first US president in history to face criminal charges.
In a spectacle played out on live television – with rival protesters rallying outside – the hearing marks a watershed moment for the US criminal and political system with the potential to advance the 2024 White House race.
Trump is expected to plead not guilty to several charges related to the hush money paid to a porn star before the 2016 election that propelled him to power.
“Feels so real – wow, they’re going to arrest me,” Trump posted on his Truth social app, while walking from Trump Tower to the courthouse, where he spent the night after flying from Florida.
“Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”
The two-time impeached Republican is the first current or former US president to be criminally charged – a development that has pushed the United States into uncharted political waters.
Police lined the streets while helicopters buzzed in the sky as Trump’s motorcade made the short drive to court, a visit given wall-to-wall live coverage on US networks although cameras would not be allowed for the hearing.
Trump waved to supporters as he stepped out of his car before walking through the compound under US Secret Service protection.
protest outside the court
Trump claims he is the victim of “political persecution” – but is also using the court case to energize his base of support and raise millions of dollars for his bid to reclaim the White House.
One of his lawyers told CNN that he plans to talk to reporters as he walks down the hallway toward the courtroom.
“Radical left Democrats have criminalized the justice system,” Trump posted hours before the hearing, calling the proceedings a “kangaroo court.”
Hundreds of people gathered outside the venue – both pro-Trump and anti-Trump protesters, as well as media and curious onlookers.
About 30 counts are expected, including at least one felony, which could last about 15 minutes. Afterwards, Trump is scheduled to head straight to Florida, where he plans to deliver a speech in the evening.
$130,000 payment
Trump was indicted last week by a grand jury in a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, an elected Democrat.
The allegations revolve around an investigation into $130,000 paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels days before Trump’s election victory.
Michael Cohen, a former Trump lawyer and aide who has turned against his former boss, says he arranged the payment in exchange for Daniels’ silence about conversations he had with Trump in 2006.
(with AFP inputs)
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