Trump pleads not guilty in classified documents case
Former US president Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Miami, Florida, over charges of mishandling sensitive documents, yesterday. Trump is the first US president – sitting or former – to have faced a federal criminal indictment.
Trump, dressed in a dark suit and red tie, had his arms crossed during his second court appearance this year. Trump appeared solemn and subdued as his lawyer, Todd Blanche, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. The charges included 37 counts of illegally retaining sensitive documents and obstructing the government’s efforts to recover them. Sitting alongside Trump at the defence table was his co-defendant, Walt Nauta, a close aide charged with six criminal counts related to the case.
Following the proceedings, he made his way to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he addressed a gathering of supporters.
Standing before a backdrop of American flags, currently the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, adopted a defiant stance. He assured the crowd that he had “every right” to hold the classified documents, but “hadn’t had a chance to go through all the boxes”.
Trump insists he has followed the law and proceeded to voice unverified claims and grievances against US President Joe Biden and his former opponent, Hillary Clinton.
