Trump pleads not guilty on Jan. 6 charges, calls it 'sad day for America’

Trump is accused of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

ByMorgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: August 2, 2023, 6:33 AM EDT

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts after being charged in connection with his alleged attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election.

The new 45-page federal indictment, unsealed Tuesday, accuses Trump of four felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

It's the third time that Trump has been indicted on criminal charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the two other cases, decrying the investigations as political witch hunts. He continues to insist that the 2020 vote was rigged and, speaking to ABC News on Tuesday, described the latest charges as a "pile-on" and "election interference."

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Aug 03, 2023, 4:33 PM EDT

Prosecution, defense agree to conditions of Trump's release

The prosecution and defense have agreed to conditions of former President Donald Trump's release: He must not violate federal or state laws; he must appear in court as required; he must sign an appearance bond; and he must not communicate about the facts of the case with anyone Trump knows to be a witness, except through counsel or in presence of counsel.

Trump signed a form with those conditions of release.

Protesters and onlookers gather near the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Federal Courthouse, Aug. 3, 2023, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Aug 03, 2023, 4:27 PM EDT

Trump pleads not guilty

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The judge advised Trump of the penalties he could face if convicted: up to five years in prison on count 1; up to 20 years in prison on count 2; up to 20 years in prison on count 3 and up to 10 years in prison on count 4.

Trump was leaning forward in his chair, listening intently.

The judge also read Trump his rights in connection to this case, and he said he understands them.

Aug 03, 2023, 4:22 PM EDT

Charges read in court

At the judge's request, former President Donald Trump offered his full name, saying, "Yes, your honor, Donald J. Trump, John."

Trump also gave his age, saying "Seven seven."

The judge then read Trump the charges against him.

Former President Donald Trump arrives at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Aug. 3, 2023, in Arlington, Va., as he heads to Washington to face a judge on federal conspiracy charges alleging Trump conspired to subvert the 2020 election.
Alex Brandon/AP

-ABC News' Mike Levine

Aug 03, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT

Magistrate judge enters courtroom

U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya has entered the courtroom for former President Donald Trump's arraignment.

Trump waited for the magistrate judge to enter the courtroom for over 20 minutes.

-ABC News' Mike Levine

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