Former president Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges that he led a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.

The former president travelled from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey to the federal court in Washington DC – which is positioned only a short distance from the Capitol Building, where the January 6th riots took place.

 Donald Trump speaks before he boards his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Arlington, Va., (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Mr Trump gave a brief statement to the media at Reagan National Airport in Washington, where he said it was a "very sad day for America".

"This is a persecution of a political opponent," he said. "This was never supposed to happen in America."

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023,  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to previous charges, including allegations of falsifying business records in New York.

Conspiracy to defraud the United States carries a maximum of five years in prison. Corrupt obstruction of a proceeding and conspiracy carries penalties of up to 20 years. Conspiracy against rights carries a term of up to 10 years.

The indictments and any potential conviction would not disqualify Mr Trump from serving as president under the US Constitution.

Additional reporting by IRN.