On Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump entered a not guilty plea to federal allegations that he improperly retained national-security papers after leaving office and lied to officials who tried to recover them.
Trump’s plea, which was made in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman in a federal court in Miami, sets up a legal battle that will probably take place in the coming months as he runs for reelection in November 2024. According to experts, it can take a year or longer before a trial is held. Without any terms or travel limitations, Donald Trump was permitted to leave court and no financial bond was needed. According to Goodman’s decision, Trump was not permitted to contact possible witnesses in the case.
Trump’s former aide Walt Nauta, also charged in the case, pleaded not guilty as well, according to the reports reported. The hearing was closed to cameras and live broadcasts.
It was Trump’s second recent appearance in court. He entered a not guilty plea in April to state charges in New York related to a hush-money payment to a porn star.
Trump is the first former president to be charged with federal crimes.
Supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats and carrying American flags chanted “Miami for Trump” and “Latinos for Trump” as the motorcade paused outside the courthouse. A man could be heard chanting, “USA! USA!”
Authorities had prepared for possible violence, recalling the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told reporters that there had not been any security problems.
Trump has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and accuses Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration of targeting him. He called Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the prosecution, a “Trump hater” on social media on Tuesday.
“ONE OF THE SADDEST DAYS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform shortly before his motorcade left the Trump Doral hotel for the courthouse.
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