Former US President Donald J Trump was arrested and indicted at Manhattan Federal Court on Tuesday on 34 felony accounts a move seen by many Americans as witch-hunt by Democrats who don’t want to see him on ballot ahead of US Elections.

• Former US President Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts in a New York City court.
• Indictment against Trump centres on allegations he falsified business records to conceal hush money payments, including one to adult film star Stormy Daniels, ahead of 2016 vote.

District Attorney Bragg repeatedly faced questions about why Trump was indicted now, despite the investigation stretching on for years, and at times, appearing to be completely stalled.

“I’ve been doing this for 42 years, I’m no stranger to rigorous, complex investigations,” Bragg said. “Having now conducted a thorough, vigorous investigation, the case was ready to be brought, and it was brought”

However, he added, “We have had available to the office additional evidence that was not in the office’s possession prior to my time here.”

Alvin Bragg says Trump violated election laws

While Trump is being charged with falsifying business records, the offence is being tied to other alleged crimes related to the 2016 elections.

The links between the two sets of alleged offences make falsifying business records a felony, rather than a misdemeanor in New York.

And so, Trump is being accused of mischaracterising reimbursements for a payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels as part of a broader effort to hide embarrassing stories ahead of the elections, which prosecutors say is illegal.

“The scheme violated New York election law, which makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidacy by unlawful means. The $130,000 wire payment exceeded the federal campaign contribution cap,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

Trump says his campaign raised $10m since indictment

In an email to supporters after his court appearance, Trump has said that his campaign raised $10m since news of the indictment became public.

“While we are living through the darkest hours of American history, I can say that at least for this moment right now, I am in great spirits,” Trump said in the email.