Former U.S. President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty, denying the charges against him in a case involving classified documents found at his residence after his term ended. After being heard, he was allowed to leave court without any conditions. According to CNN, there will be no travel restrictions, and no financial bail will be imposed; however, he is prohibited from contacting potential witnesses in the case.
After the hearing, Trump told a group of supporters that the current U.S. government has lost control, stating that Americans now have a corrupt country and that people's conditions are poor within the United States. He also celebrated with his supporters, who sang "Happy Birthday" to him, and he covered their lunch expenses.
Trump had left his resort in South Florida on Tuesday afternoon and arrived in downtown Miami, where he appeared in federal court for the first time to respond to criminal charges related to mishandling classified government documents—his second indictment since announcing his candidacy for the 2024 elections.
A small group of protesters gathered outside the courthouse, including right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who called for "peaceful, civil, and lawful" protests in a tweet. Upon arriving at the courthouse, Trump entered through a back door, voluntarily surrendered to U.S. Marshals, and had his fingerprints taken before pleading not guilty to the 37 charges against him.
No mugshot was taken of Trump, nor were his hands restrained, given his status. He is scheduled to return to New Jersey, where he will deliver a speech from a golf club, as is standard for an initial appearance.
