Donald Trump Denies Federal Accusations of Unlawfully Retaining Classified Documents

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Tuesday saw Donald Trump become the first ex-president to stand before a judge on federal charges, entering a not guilty plea in a Miami courtroom. The charges, comprising dozens of felony counts, allege Trump unlawfully stored classified documents, ignoring government requests for their return.

This historic legal appointment initiates a process set to progress during the peak of the 2024 presidential race. The implications stretch beyond Trump’s political ambitions to his personal freedom, marking a significant event in U.S. history.

Even on his way to court, Trump maintained his usual bold persona, posting social media attacks against the prosecution from his motorcade. Though publicly he maintained his innocence and claimed political persecution, in court, he was silent, allowing his attorney to plead not guilty on his behalf. The brief arraignment concluded without Trump surrendering his passport or imposing travel restrictions.

This arraignment marks a unique turning point in a year of legal tribulations for Trump. He faces additional charges in New York related to hush money payments during his 2016 campaign, as well as ongoing inquiries in Washington and Atlanta into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Leaving the courthouse, Trump made a quick detour to Versailles, a famous Cuban restaurant in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. There, on the eve of his 77th birthday, his supporters sang him “Happy Birthday”. Trump continues to navigate the uneasy balance between the spectacle of campaigning and the necessity of court appearances as a twice-indicted criminal defendant.

Last week’s indictment marks the first time a former president has been charged by the Justice Department, let alone accused of mishandling top-secret information. Trump faces 37 felony counts, many under the Espionage Act, that accuse him of illegally storing classified documents in various locations at Mar-a-Lago and trying to conceal them from the Justice Department.

Throughout these proceedings, Trump continues to portray himself as a victim of political persecution. He disparaged the Justice Department’s special counsel and pledged to stay in the presidential race. Speaking from his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, he launched a series of baseless claims and fiery rhetoric, and threatened retaliation against President Joe Biden and his family if elected.

Despite the contentious atmosphere, the courtroom’s dynamics were peaceful, with few signs of substantial disturbance. Trump remained silent during his appearance, occasionally consulting with his attorneys. Although he did not need to surrender his passport, the judge imposed restrictions on discussing the case with certain witnesses, such as his valet, Walt Nauta, who was indicted last week for allegedly moving documents at Trump’s direction and misleading the FBI about it.

Amid these proceedings, Trump’s determination to prove his innocence remains undeterred. While the courtroom drama adds to a series of legal complications that have dogged Trump since his presidency, the current indictment is significant due to the extensive evidence that prosecutors appear to have collected and the gravity of the allegations.

With the case being heard in Florida, where many of the purported obstruction actions took place, it is unclear what defenses Trump will resort to as the case continues. The indictment accuses Trump of illegally retaining national security documents, including material on nuclear programs, defense and weapons capabilities of the U.S. and foreign governments, and a Pentagon “attack plan”, among other sensitive matters. Moreover, he is alleged to have displayed some of these documents to unqualified individuals.

The indictment further alleges that Trump attempted to hinder government efforts to reclaim the documents by instructing Nauta to move boxes and suggesting to his own attorney that he conceal or destroy documents subpoenaed by the Justice Department.

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Reported by Tucker in Washington. Contributions made by Jill Colvin in Bedminster, New Jersey and Terry Spencer, Kate Brumback,

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More about Donald Trump Federal Charges

• Donald Trump’s Legal Battles
• Espionage Act
• Mar-a-Lago
• Trump’s Political Future
• Classified Information in the United States