Trump Pleads Not Guilty in Classified Documents Case, Maintains Defiant Stance
Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling sensitive files during a court appearance in Miami, Florida. This marks the first time a current or former US president has faced a federal criminal indictment. In a solemn demeanor, Trump sat silently, arms crossed, wearing a dark suit and red tie, during his second court appearance of the year.
Following the court proceedings, Trump traveled to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he addressed his supporters. Standing in front of American flags, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination maintained a defiant tone. He asserted his right to possess classified documents but claimed he hadn't had the opportunity to review them thoroughly. Trump also aired a series of unverified allegations and voiced grievances against President Joe Biden and his former rival, Hillary Clinton.
Before departing Miami, Trump expressed gratitude to the city via his social media platform, Truth Social, acknowledging the warm welcome despite the somber nature of the day for the country.
In the federal courthouse room in downtown Miami, Trump's lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf for 37 counts of illegally retaining classified documents and obstructing the government's efforts to retrieve them. Walt Nauta, Trump's co-defendant and a close aide, faced six criminal counts in the same case. The prosecution team, including special counsel Jack Smith, occupied the opposite side of the room. Smith had announced the indictment the previous week.
Despite turning 77 on that day, Trump was allowed to leave the court without travel restrictions. Prosecutors assured Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman that Trump was not deemed a flight risk. However, he is prohibited from discussing the case with Nauta.
After the hearing, Trump flashed a thumbs-up to his supporters as his motorcade departed from the courthouse. During the departure, a protester dressed in a prison jumpsuit briefly ran into the street in front of the motorcade before being escorted away by security, causing a minor disturbance in an otherwise peaceful day.
Trump and his security detail proceeded directly to Versailles, a popular Cuban restaurant in Miami's Little Havana, where he received an enthusiastic welcome from his supporters. People lined up to take photos with the former president, and he even engaged in a prayer with some patrons. The visit concluded with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" sung in his honor.