Donald Trump has entered a plea of innocence at a federal court in Miami regarding federal criminal charges leveled against him. These charges accuse him of unlawfully possessing classified documents at his Florida estate.
Appearing before a US magistrate judge in a closed-door hearing, the former US president pleaded not guilty to all 37 counts. The charges include the willful retention of national defense information, making false statements and representations, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer, made the plea on his behalf.
Accompanied by his former aide, Walt Nauta, who is also facing charges in the case, Donald Trump left the courtroom after the hearing with no travel restrictions set for his bail, according to the BBC. Prosecutors expressed their belief that he was not a flight risk, likely due to his ownership of a private plane and Secret Service protection.
The media described the proceedings as brief and procedural, lasting approximately five minutes. Trump arrived at the courthouse from his Doral golf course, surrendering to federal authorities before facing the judge.
Outside the courthouse, a mix of Trump supporters, anti-Trump protesters, and international journalists gathered to witness this historic court appearance. Trump and Nauta were arrested and booked upon their arrival at the court. While Trump’s fingerprints were taken, no mugshot was captured.
Last week, the former president was indicted on 37 felony charges, accusing him of intentionally retaining classified documents and obstructing justice. The unsealed indictment revealed that Trump stored these documents in various locations, including a bathroom, shower, ballroom, storeroom, office, and bedroom at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The indictment made public on Friday, highlighted Trump’s personal involvement in moving boxes containing the documents to his Florida estate. It also mentioned instances where he showed these documents to others. The charges assert that Trump endangered some of the nation’s most sensitive security secrets, including details on nuclear weapons programs, potential vulnerabilities, and plans for military retaliation.
Security was tight outside the federal courthouse, with Trump’s supporters selling T-shirts featuring a mock mugshot of the former president and the words “NOT GUILTY” displayed prominently. Some individuals waved Trump 2024 flags, indicating their support for his potential presidential campaign.
