Former President Donald Trump appeared in a Manhattan courtroom, pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts. While it was a tragic spectacle from a historical perspective, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence like any other criminal defendant. Trump's appearance diminishes the office of the presidency and tarnishes the nation's reputation, but his less than stellar ethical track record raises questions about his conduct in office. Whether one loves or detests Trump, the charges of outright criminality must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If he is convicted, it will undoubtedly affect America's moral standing with the rest of the world, as it would imply that the country's leader abused their power for personal gain. Amid all this news, Trump retreated to his safe space at Mar-a-Lago, where he delivered a televised speech claiming his innocence and lashing out at his persecutors in the legal system. Whatever the outcome of the hearings, the indictment of a former president is a deadly precedent for future presidents and the country's future.