Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 37 Federal Charges in Classified Documents Case

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal charges at his arraignment in Miami, Florida on Tuesday afternoon.

Details: “We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty,” Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, reportedly told the judge. Outside the courthouse, a group composed of Trump supporters and protestors chanted and waved signs. Per the bond agreement, Trump is barred from speaking with witnesses about the case, including Walt Nauta, Trump’s personal aide who was also charged in the indictment. His passport was not revoked, and a mugshot was not taken. Shortly before entering the courthouse, a post from Trump on Truth Social read, “ONE OF THE SADDEST DAYS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE!!!” Trump’s plea is the main development in the case today. The trial is expected to take months. Trump will reportedly give a speech in New Jersey tonight. 

For Context: Last week, federal prosecutors announced and unsealed a federal incitement detailing the 37 charges against Trump— 31 counts of “Willful Retention of National Defense Information,” and six single-counts of “Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice,” “Withholding a Document or Record,” “Corruptly Concealing a Document or Record,” “Concealing a Document in a Federal Investigation,” “Scheme to Conceal,” and “False Statements and Representations.”

How The Media Covered It: Trump’s arraignment is the top story in most outlets across the spectrum. Outlets are noting the unprecedented nature of a former President of the United States facing federal criminal charges.