Former President Donald Trump reportedly did not have much to say during his arraignment after being indicted by a New York grand jury.
According to The Washington Post, Trump only spoke 10 words during the Tuesday hearing that lasted an hour.
The words uttered by the former president include: “Not guilty. Yes. OK, thank you. Yes. I do. Yes.”
The Post described his tone during the hearing as “morose, almost sour.”
The newspaper explained Trump “sat hunched in his seat, occasionally listening to whispers from his attorneys. He made almost no facial expressions.”
Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
The case notably revolves around Trump’s role in paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan did not take his time in arraigning Trump.
“How do you plead to this indictment, guilty or not guilty?” Merchan asked.
Trump responded, “Not guilty.”
During a portion of the hearing, Trump’s defense attorney expressed his frustration with the prosecutor’s focus on Trump’s rhetoric, per the Post.
“It is true that as part of that response, he’s absolutely frustrated, upset and believes that there is a grave injustice happening with him being in this courtroom today,” attorney Todd Blanche said.
He continued, “He has rights. He’s allowed to speak publicly.”
The judge explained to the defense team they should tell Trump to “refrain from making statements that are likely to incite violence or civil unrest.”
Trump has been outspoken about the case on his platform Truth Social, taking aim at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D).
There was speculation surrounding whether a gag order would be issued, which would prohibit Trump and his team from speaking about the trial publicly.
However, one was not requested and the judge said he would not have granted one anyway, as The Hill reported.
