ALBAWABA - Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech at his Florida Mar-a-Lago's mansion Wednesday, hours after pleading not guilty to 34 criminal charges during a historic court hearing in New York.
The 34 felony charges included falsifying business records in connection with concealing hush money payments to two women, including adult film star Stormy Daniels.
BREAKING: Trump, moments ago during his speech at Mar-a-lago:
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) April 5, 2023
"I never thought anything like this could happen in America. I never thought it could happen.”
Now you know how most Democrats felt after you won the 2016 election. Oh that’s right, you cheated, according to the… pic.twitter.com/fbPfIsIR9z
In the speech, Trump slammed New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg for bringing criminal charges against him. He said he "never thought anything like this could happen in America."
Trump maintained: "The only crime I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it."
He pointed to what he considered as similar past incidents to his that went unpunished. He claimed that former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton deleted more than 33,000 formal emails while in office, suggesting she had tampered with state documents. He also claimed that the current president, Joe Biden, stole "classified documents when he was a senator."
WATCH: Following his incredible speech tonight at Mar a Lago after spending the day in New York being unjustly arrested, President Trump walked through the crowd and shook hands with adoring supporters!
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 5, 2023
Trump has more energy than anyone I know. He’s a force of nature. #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/7KLI4QzaCt
The former president repeated his claim that his trial was politically motivated, only to undermine his chances of winning the upcoming presidential elections, slated to be held in 2024.
Trump became the first top U.S. leader, among the serving and former presidents, to be arraigned on criminal charges. He entered his plea before Judge Juan Merchan during proceedings Tuesday at a Lower Manhattan courthouse.
BREAKING!!! the 9th Circuit just awarded Trump $121,962.56 in attorney fees from Stormy Daniels. Order just released. This in addition to the roughly $500k she already owes him.
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) April 4, 2023
After entering a not guilty plea, the proceedings were adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for Dec. 4.
Trump's son Eric wrote on Tuesday: "I never thought I would see this level of corruption in the United States." He castigated the shutting down of New York City, the deployment of 38,000 policemen, and spending "an estimated $200 million of city funds" on security plans during the hearing.
