The ex-president pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges of business fraud in the court room.

His lawyer, Todd Blanche said: “We’re going to fight it, we’re going to fight it hard.”

Judge Merchan gave Trump’s lawyers until 8 August to file any motions – such as a potential motion to have the case struck out.

The charges against Trump are all Class E felonies – the lowest category of felony offence. They carry a maximum sentence of four years.

But legal experts say Trump – if convicted – would most likely be fined. They say time behind bars would be unlikely.