The charges against Trump

Trump arrives at court in Washington DC. Alex Brandon / AP 

Trump in the courtroom - pleads not guilty  

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty after being read his rights in the courtroom by Judge Moxila Upadhyaya, reports AFP.  

At 10 p.m. Swedish time, he stepped into the courtroom to have the indictment read to him. He is being released on the condition that he has no contact with witnesses except in the presence of counsel, according to NBC. If he breaks the condition, he can be arrested. The trial begins on August 28.  

Outside the courthouse, protesters for and against the ex-president display placards with texts such as "Trump 2024 - or earlier" or "Grip Trump".  

The four federal charges against Trump relate to trying to influence the 2020 election. Security in Washington DC has been heightened ahead of his arrival.