Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to four charges relating to the 2020 presidential election.

Trump was charged with 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.

In August, he was arrested for the third time in four months and was released pending a trial and the next hearing on August 28.

A CNN reporter described Trump to have appeared quiet in the courtroom but continued to be defiant on his plea. After leaving the courthouse, Trump criticised his charges and regarded the indictment as a persecution of a political opponent.

“This is a very sad day for America,” he told CNN. It was the first time he had spoken since the indictment.

He was arraigned by special counsellor Jack Smith’s investigation regarding his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election, ultimately leading to the attack on the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

On his Truth Social site, Trump explained how he is representing the people in his upcoming hearing.

“It is a great honour, because I am being arrested for you,” Trump said to his followers.

John Lauro, Trump’s lawyer, has portrayed the indictment as an attack on the US Constitution.

However, former Attorney-General Bill Barr told CNN that it does not infringe on Trump’s First Amendment right.

“He can say whatever he wants, he can even lie,” he said. “He can even tell people that the election was stolen when he knew better.”

Trump still leads the polls for the Republican nomination ahead of the 2024 election, and is still eligible to run for president if charged and convicted.

Photo: Donald Trump by Matt Johnson available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.