Trump pleads not guilty in classified documents case
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 37 federal charges stemming from his handling of classified documents, marking an unprecedented moment in US history that seems sure to further polarise the nation.
In the first ever criminal prosecution of a former president, Mr Trump is accused of wilful possession of national security secrets after his presidency ended in 2021, conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and making false statements.
"We are certainly entering a plea of not guilty," Todd Blanche, Mr Trump's lawyer, told the Miami hearing.
Mr Trump has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and accuses Democratic President Joe Biden's administration of making him the target of a political witch hunt. He took to his Truth Social platform to denounce the case shortly before heading into court.
“One of the saddest days in the history of our country,” Mr Trump wrote. “We are a nation in decline!”
It is the second time this year Mr Trump has been indicted. In April, Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up the illegal payment of hush money his lawyer made to an adult film star in 2016.
He also is being investigated for his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection and whether he unlawfully attempted to overturn election results in Georgia.
Dozens of Trump supporters gathered outside the Miami courthouse, many wearing red Make America Great Again, or Maga, baseball caps. One held up a sign reading “Indict Jack Smith”, the special counsel who brought the charges against Mr Trump.
Police, including some on horseback and bicycles, braced for protests and the possibility of unrest, but the atmosphere was festive, with a local radio station blasting Cuban salsa music.
After the hearing, Mr Trump was due to fly to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and give a speech to supporters.
Mr Trump is the front-runner in the 2024 Republican primary, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailing a distant second. The latest indictment has not hurt the former president's standing among Republican voters, many of whom view the prosecution in Miami as politically motivated.
Prosecutors say Mr Trump stored hundreds of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after he left the White House. He stored the files haphazardly at the popular property, where thousands of guests and visitors come and go.
Some sensitive documents were even kept in a bathroom – a far cry from the government “Scif” rooms where classified information is supposed to be viewed by those holding security clearances.
