According to CNN on Thursday, August 3, 2023, Donald Trump appeared in federal court Thursday to face arraignment on charges related to his actions after the 2020 election. Though Trump insisted it was a “great honor” to be there, sources say he bristled at one moment in particular.
When Trump’s attorneys introduced him to Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya as “President Trump,” she replied, “Good afternoon, Mr. Trump.” According to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, being addressed as “Mr. Trump” irked the former president.
Collins explained that though it may sound odd to others, Trump is still referred to by his former title at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he was Thursday night, and at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. He seems to prefer holding onto the stature of the presidency, even now.
The arraignment related to Trump’s alleged obstruction of Congress and his actions in Georgia after the 2020 election. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite his reported annoyance at being called “Mr. Trump,” the former president called it a “great honor” to appear in court.
Outside the courthouse, supporters rallied behind Trump, waving signs and chanting. Inside, Trump went through standard legal proceedings, having charges read against him, entering a plea, and discussing the next steps.
For a former president used to being at the pinnacle of power, facing criminal charges in federal court surely represents a humbling turn of events. Though Trump may wish to cling to his former title, legal proceedings like this make it even clearer that he is now just a private citizen called “Mr. Trump.”