Pursed lips, glum face as tough-guy manner fades

Throughout the one-hour court hearing, Donald Trump’s disposition was that of a child on the first day of school.

Donald Trump makes his way inside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

Manhattan’s towering criminal court complex has witnessed history time and again, hosting famous moments including Mark David Chapman’s guilty plea after shooting John Lennon, and Harvey Weinstein’s conviction for sex crimes.

But everyone from armed officers to hard-boiled court reporters were on edge as one of contemporary history’s most notorious New Yorkers solemnly strode up the middle aisle, his lips pursed and flaxen hair slightly dishevelled as he went from being Donald Trump, former president, to Donald Trump criminal defendant. A few photographers were allowed to capture the drama of the 76-year-old’s initial presence in the stiflingly hot room, as the one-time White House resident wearing a blue suit and red tie greeted their lenses with steely eyes.

But after the cameras were swiftly ushered back into the heavily guarded corridor and proceedings got under way, Mr Trump’s tough-guy demeanour faded, his glances oscillating between twitchy and drained.

Throughout the one-hour hearing, his disposition was that of a child on the first day of school: a bit curious, a bit bored, and mostly wondering when he could go outside. But the man who made his name as a brash real estate mogul and tabloid personality before a stunning ascent to the nation’s highest office contained himself, co-operating with the scripted rhythm of an arraignment and allowing his lawyers to run the show.

As is customary for a defendant, Mr Trump rarely spoke during the proceedings, but when he did, it was loud and clear: “Not guilty.”

He denies all 34 counts against him, felony charges related to hush money payments including over an alleged tryst with adult-film actor Stormy Daniels.

But guilty or not, it’s a sordid affair for the twice-impeached Republican, who is vying for another presidential stint in Washington.

Mr Trump voiced defiance for weeks as the indictment loomed, but appeared glum following the fingerprinting that goes with any standard booking. His first appearance as a criminal defendant was likely the first of many encounters between members of the White House press corps and journalists covering New York City’s courts, a melding of worlds once seemingly disparate. Gaining access to the 15th floor of the granite and limestone art-deco style building on Tuesday required a full 24 hours of waiting amid the media frenzy – where rival protesters sneered at each other and helicopters buzzed overhead – before two security checks and several more lines.

All electronic gear including watches was banned – merely rolling up a pair of headphones merited a court officer’s scolding – in the room whose mid-century design is giving way to peeling paint.

Arraignments are usually swift business, but Tuesday’s was lengthy due to a range of issues that the defence, prosecution and a lawyer for members of the media took up with the judge, signalling a long road of legal wrangling ahead of a tentatively anticipated January 2024 trial.

AFP