Trump announces he will run for president in 2024 at his Mar-a-Lago estate
Trump announces he will run for president in 2024 at his Mar-a-Lago estateREUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Former US President Donald Trump plead not guilty Tuesday to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and conspiracy for allegedly paying hush money to an adult film star during his presidential 2016 campaign.

Trump was arraigned today after a grand jury convened by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced its decision to indict him last week.

“Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse. Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!” Trump posted on his Truth Social network shortly before turning himself in to the court.

The former President was flanked by his Secret Service guards as he entered the Manhattan Supreme Court in downtown Manhattan.

The court hearing was not publicly broadcasted.

Trump's indictment is the first of its kind for a former US President.

Trump supporters and opponents held competing demonstrations outside Trump Tower, where the former President stayed before heading to the courthouse for his arraignment, and the courthouse. Police had to break up a confrontation between the two groups outside the courthouse,