LOS ANGELES — The man accused of smashing President Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame called it a “rightful and just act.”

Austin Clay pleaded not guilty to a felony vandalism charge Wednesday in Los Angeles.

Start your day with the news you need from the Bay Area and beyond.

Sign up for our new Morning Report weekday newsletter.

Prosecutors say Clay took a pickax to Trump’s star on Hollywood Boulevard on July 25. It recognizes Trump for his work on the TV reality show “The Apprentice.” It has been repaired.

Clay spoke to reporters outside the courthouse Wednesday. He says he wanted to “bring about positive political change” and doesn’t believe prosecutors should have brought charges against him.

Clays says he thinks the “repercussions of it were only positive.”

If convicted, he could face up to three years behind bars.