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, 3:54 PM EDT

Trump enters courtroom

Former President Donald Trump and his legal team have entered the courtroom with many U.S. Marshals standing nearby.

It has been 51 days since June 13, when Trump was last in a courtroom for his arraignment in Florida in the classified documents case.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump waves as he steps off his plane 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
Former President Donald Trump waves as he steps off his plane 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

The motorcade carrying former US President Donald Trump arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman US Court House in Washington, DC, Aug. 3, 2023
Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images

Trump is sitting at the defense table in between his attorneys Todd Blanche and John Lauro.

Special counsel Jack Smith can be seen looking at Trump, while Trump whispers with Blanche. Trump's hands are clasped on the table.

Trump could be seen at least twice shaking his head.

Trump’s advisers, including Steven Cheung, are standing behind him in the courtroom.

While Trump's lawyers were looking through papers, Trump gave a full look around the room, toward the gallery.

-ABC News' Alex Mallin and Mike Levine

Aug 03, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT

Special counsel Jack Smith enters courtroom

Special counsel Jack Smith and his team have entered the courtroom ahead of former President Donald Trump’s initial appearance and arraignment.

The vehicle that carries former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse, Aug. 3, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Mounted officers of the U.S. Park Police ride on the day former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is facing federal charges related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, appears at the U.S. District Court in Washington, Aug. 3, 2023.
Joshua Roberts/Reuters

Smith is not sitting at the prosecutors' table, but sitting nearby. Special counsel prosecutors Molly Gaston and Tom Windom are sitting at the table, along with another female prosecutor.

Smith also attended Trump’s arraignment in the classified documents case he brought in Florida.

-ABC News' Mike Levine

Aug 03, 2023, 3:24 PM EDT

Trump, allies filed over 60 suits challenging outcome of election

Former President Donald Trump and his allies filed over 60 lawsuits challenging the outcome of the 2020 election based on allegations of fraud, despite no evidence of widespread fraud that could have impacted the results. Nearly every single lawsuit was rejected, thrown out or withdrawn -- including two denials from the United States Supreme Court.

Former President disembarks his plane "Trump Force One" on arrival at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., Aug. 3, 2023.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

-ABC News' Olivia Rubin

Aug 03, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT

Trump arrives at court

Former President Donald Trump has arrived at the E. Barrett Prettyman federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., for his court appearance.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump rally outside the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse, Aug. 3, 2023, in Washington.
Jose Luis Magana/AP

PHOTO: A demonstrator gestures on the day former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is facing federal charges related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, arrives at the U.S. District Court in Washington, Aug. 3, 2023.
A demonstrator gestures on the day former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is facing federal charges related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, arrives at the U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm
Reuters/ Kevin Wurm

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