Donald Trump surrenders at New York court after indictment over hush money, pleads not guilty

Amid a global media frenzy, the Republican billionaire becomes the first American president in history to face criminal charges.

Trump was indicted last Thursday by a New York jury over hush money payments made to an adult film actress during his 2016 campaign.

The former US President faces more than 30 counts related to business fraud in an indictment from a Manhattan grand jury, according to reports.

As he arrived, Trump posted on social media that the experience is “SURREAL,” adding, “WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America.”

The 76-year-old pleaded not guilty to a host of charges related to hush money paid to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election that brought him to power.

Trump's attorney Chris Kise has called his indictment “the lowest point in history for our criminal justice system.”

“What was once the most respected and revered district attorney’s office in the nation has been fully bastardized by an opportunistic politician seeking, like many others, to cash in on the Trump brand,” Kise told CNN.

“The complete lack of legal basis, coupled with the politically targeted nature of the prosecution, should strike fear into every citizen in this country irrespective of their views of President Trump.”