Donald Trump has been formally charged with falsifying business records at a hearing in New York City.

He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts.

The charges relate to hush money payments allegedly made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 election campaign.

It makes him the first former president in US history to face criminal charges.

A jury voted to indict the former president last week. His legal team has professed his innocence and said they will fight the charges.

Crowds were gathered outside the court before Trump’s appearance, including both supporters and opponents, with banners and cheers. But reporters perhaps made up the largest group, waiting to catch a glimpse of the historic moment.