Former United States president, Donald Trump, has entered a not-guilty plea to charges that he lied and schemed to hold on to sensitive national security material that he was supposed to have surrendered when he left the White House. This historic case marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been charged with federal crimes, presenting a politically fraught prosecution.
Trump, 76, faced a total of 37 federal felony counts, including willful retention of national defense information, making false statements and representations, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Clad in a blue suit and red tie, Trump sat silently with his hands crossed in court while his attorney entered the not guilty plea before Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman.
The special counsel, Jack Smith, who brought the case, was present in the front row during the brief proceeding. Although no travel restrictions were imposed on Trump, who is currently campaigning for president, and he was not required to surrender his passport, the judge barred him from discussing the case with any witnesses identified by government lawyers.
Trump was accompanied by his co-defendant, aide Walt Nauta, who did not enter a plea due to the absence of a local attorney. The case has attracted significant attention, with the public limited to observing a small gathering of supporters outside the courthouse as cameras were not permitted inside.
Following the arraignment, Trump made a stop at the renowned Cuban restaurant Versailles, where he was greeted by a crowd singing “Happy Birthday” as he turns 77 on Wednesday. Trump expressed his gratitude on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Thank you Miami. Such a warm welcome on such a SAD DAY for our Country!” before heading to the airport.
Represented by attorney Todd Blanche and Chris Kise, a former solicitor general of Florida and ally of Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump voiced his denial of any wrongdoing, asserting his entitlement to the documents and accusing the prosecution of political motivation. He vowed to retaliate against President Joe Biden if re-elected, claiming that he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate alleged corruption by Biden.
Alina Habba, another Trump attorney involved in his other cases, spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, echoing the former president’s claims that the prosecution was politically driven. With Trump positioned as the Republican front-runner, the upcoming election is viewed as an opportunity for him to address the alleged bias against him.
Trump refrained from making public comments at the courthouse and was scheduled to deliver remarks at his estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Tuesday night. Initially planned as a private fundraiser for his 77th birthday, the event carries significant implications given the ongoing legal proceedings.
During the booking process, no mug shot of Trump was taken, as an existing photo was uploaded to the government’s secure booking database, which is not publicly accessible. Additionally, electronic fingerprinting was part of the process