Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the 2020 election interference and the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The arraignment took place in federal court in Washington, D.C., where U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhaya presided over the proceedings. However, it was her seemingly casual greeting that caught the attention of social media users. Instead of addressing Trump as "Mr. President," Judge Upadhaya referred to him as "Mr. Trump."
This simple greeting sparked speculation and debate about whether Trump would be bothered by the lack of a presidential reference. ABC Executive Editorial Producer John Santucci tweeted, "If there is one thing I know Trump loves, it's being called Mr. President." On the other hand, Democratic commentator Victor Shi saw the judge's choice of words as a demonstration of the rule of law, stating, "No special treatment. Treating him as just another man in a courtroom. This is the rule of law at its best."
Critics of Trump saw the judge's greeting as a slight against the former president. Daily Caller's chief national correspondent Henry Rodgers tweeted, "Every other president would have been addressed as 'President,' not 'Mr.'... Let's be real." However, others pointed out that etiquette guides suggest the judge was following protocol, as the title "Mr. President" is typically reserved for the current holder of the office in formal settings.
The charges against Trump stem from Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into whether Trump or other officials and entities interfered with the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election, including the certification of the Electoral College vote on January 6, 2021. The trial will be presided over by Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is expected to set a trial date of August 28.
During the arraignment, Judge Upadhaya outlined the proceedings and requested that Trump be seated closer to a microphone for better communication. She began by asking for his name and age, to which Trump responded, "Trump. Donald J. Trump John... Seven Seven seventy-seven."
As the legal process unfolds, the nation will be closely watching the trial of the former president, which carries significant implications for the future of American democracy.
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