Former US President Donald Trump appeared in federal court in Washington on Thursday to face charges that he conspired to remain in office despite his 2020 election loss.

Trump pleaded not guilty to the four counts lodged against him, including conspiracy to defraud the US and obstruction of an official proceeding. The hearing took place at a courthouse that has been the venue for trials related to the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, and marked the beginning of a trial that seeks to hold Trump accountable for his actions.

Trump's defense team hinted at delaying a second pending federal trial and argued that he had a First Amendment right to promote his views on election fraud. The hearing was attended by three police officers who testified about the Capitol riot, as well as off-duty judges and supporters and critics of Trump. The next hearing is scheduled for August 28, and Trump's defense team is expected to employ a variety of arguments to fight the charges against him.