DONALD IN THE DOCK

Tycoon becomes first US leader to face criminal charges as he denies 34 raps

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

DISGRACED former President Donald Trump sat stony-faced as he appeared in court to deny 34 felony charges yesterday.

In an extraordinary moment in US history, the tycoon was fingerprinted but spared the humiliation of having his mugshot taken before he faced a judge in New York.

The 76-year-old, impeached twice by the House but never convicted in the Senate, is the first sitting or ex-leader to face criminal charges - including falsifying business records and conspiracy.

The arraignment unfolded amid high security, coming two years after Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol in a failed bid to halt certification of Joe Biden's election win. 

And while he appeared in the court, White House stuck to its policy of staying silent on the unfolding drama.

After raps relating to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal were read out, Trump pleaded: "Not guilty."

Both claim they had affairs with him before he entered politics and were paid to be quiet ahead of his 2016 election win. The payments were wired to Ms Daniels and Ms. McDougal in a deal with National Enquirer magazine, which Trump is accused of conspiring with.

Secret Service agents escorted the ex-leader from Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue to the courthouse. His 11-vehicle motorcade arrived at the district attorney's office, part of the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building, at 1.30pm.

Trump travelled alone as his lawyers, Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles, sat in the vehicle behind.