Former President Donald Trump has formally entered a plea of not guilty to 37 charges connected to the alleged mishandling of classified documents. The plea was made by Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, during the former president’s arraignment at a federal courthouse in Miami. Trump, sitting hunched over with a scowl, remained silent throughout the hearing.
Accompanying Trump as a co-defendant, his aide Walt Nauta was also arrested, processed, and had an initial appearance on Tuesday. However, Nauta’s arraignment has been scheduled for June 27.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman ruled that Trump and Nauta could not communicate about the case, and instructed the prosecution to compile a list of potential witnesses whom Trump is prohibited from contacting, except through legal representation. The judge did not impose any travel restrictions on either defendant.
The Justice Department recommended the release of both Trump and Nauta without any financial or special conditions, as they do not consider them to be flight risks, according to prosecutor David Harbach.
Trump pleads not guilty to 37 charges in classified documents case https://t.co/n0IEvkl6sQ— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 13, 2023
Prior to the arraignment, former President Trump was booked by deputy marshals who collected electronic copies of his fingerprints. However, no mugshot was taken due to Trump’s high visibility. The booking process lasted approximately 10 minutes.
The charges brought by the Justice Department significantly heighten the legal jeopardy faced by Trump, who is currently the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination. The allegations consist of 37 felony counts, accusing Trump of unlawfully retaining national defense information and concealing documents in violation of witness-tampering laws related to the Justice Department’s investigation into these materials.
After the court hearing, Trump made an unannounced visit to Versailles, a renowned Cuban restaurant in Miami. Inside, he was warmly received by numerous supporters, shaking hands and taking photos with them. Amidst the cheers, Trump offered to provide food for everyone present, and his supporters even sang “happy birthday” as his birthday was approaching.
Later in the day, Trump returned to his Bedminster resort in New Jersey, where he addressed the public and denounced the charges as “fake and fabricated.” He asserted his right to possess the documents in question and called for an immediate dismissal of the case, claiming that it was detrimental to the nation.
“They should never have done this,” Trump said. “This was an unwritten rule, you just don’t unless it’s really bad. But you just don’t. But the seal is now broken.”
Earlier on social media, Trump expressed his belief that the day marked one of the saddest in the country’s history, stating that the nation was in decline.
“ONE OF THE SADDEST DAYS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE!!!” the former President lamented.
