Trump after arraignment: This is a very sad day for America

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is to appear in a federal court facing federal charges related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, arrives at Reagan Washington National Airport in nearby Arlington, Virginia, U.S., August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump said after his arraignment on charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election that it was a "very sad day for America."

"This is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen in America," Trump said before boarding his plane to return to New Jersey after the court hearing.