Standing, arms along the body, Donald Trump faces a judge in Washington to whom he responds soberly “not guilty”. A short solemn moment which contrasts with the effervescence which surrounded his arrival in this federal court placed under high security.
Behind the clear paneling of the courtroom stands the Capitol, the temple of American democracy that had been attacked by his supporters on a dark day in January 2021. The former president is appearing for his involvement in what led to this earthquake, a historic moment.
He appeared shortly before 4:00 p.m. with his eternal red tie, surrounded by his lawyers. In the room is present Jack Smith, his pet peeve. This special prosecutor with a finely trimmed beard is in charge of federal investigations targeting the Republican billionaire. Five meters and a wooden table separate them.
During the long minutes when both sides wait for the judge to arrive, Mr. Smith stares intently at Mr. Trump. The former president in the campaign, he seems to avoid it, talks with his lawyers, moves his hands as if to pass the time.
Then magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya takes her place, an American flag hanging behind her chair. In her long black dress, she presides over Mr Trump’s first appearance before a magistrate in the case over his bid to overturn the 2020 election result.
The judge recites each count against the 2024 Republican primary frontrunner. Donald Trump sits motionless with his head turned towards the judge, seemingly attentive.
When he gets up, she asks him how he intends to respond to the charges aimed at him. He replies “not guilty” to all the chiefs, then goes to sit down again.
The hearing, which lasts half an hour, is procedural. But the defense is already preparing its arguments: concerning the timetable, the “trial without delay” requested by the prosecution would not leave enough room to prepare the defense of the Republican tenor, assure Mr. Trump’s lawyers.
“We need time” to study large amounts of data, pleads one of them, John Lauro. The judge replies: “I can assure everyone that there will be a fair process and trial”.
Donald Trump lets his advice take its course, holds his hands between his legs. Then he leaves the room. A few minutes later in front of the press, he refers to himself as a “political opponent” on this “very sad day” for the United States.
As for his arrival, he leaves the court with his procession of imposing black cars, followed live on American television.
And, as during these two hearings in the spring, it is the excitement around the court. In addition to the hundred or so journalists accredited to follow the trial inside the court, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of reporters outside under the gray skies of Washington.
Installed behind the metal barriers deployed all around the court, the television teams are the crane foot to tell this unprecedented judicial storm. Many federal and city police patrol the sidewalks, some with sniffer dogs.
The vans with their satellite antenna are parked behind the cameras, a few onlookers and demonstrators are also there, including one who waves a huge “Trump 2024” flag in front of the court entrance in the morning.
Under a cloudy sky, passers-by are actually mostly tourists visiting the federal capital. Tom Kerr, 78 years old and from Massachusetts, is amused by all these journalists, sees it as a “kind of show”.
And Camille Decont, a young French student traveling in the capital, is “impressed”. “The Trump file is a global affair, we are following it in France!”, Adds his father, François Paolini.
04/08/2023 01:10:53 – Washington (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
