Trump faces court over mishandling nuclear secrets, Miami braces for crowds

Former US President Donald Trump has landed in Miami, Florida, where he is set to appear in court on Tuesday facing charges of mishandling national security files. Trump travelled from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Monday morning. He is accused of illegally retaining classified information, including nuclear secrets, in dozens of charges. This marks the second time this year that Trump has been charged with a crime. He denies any wrongdoing and is campaigning for a return to the White House in 2024.

This case represents the first federal criminal prosecution against a former US president. Miami’s Mayor, Francis Suarez, informed reporters that the city is preparing for Trump’s court appearance. Police will be deployed to manage anticipated crowds of up to 50,000 people, although some sources suggest the expected number is in the low thousands. Suarez encouraged people to remain peaceful during the event.

On Saturday, Trump made his first public appearance since the charges were filed, claiming that the case is “election interference” by the “corrupt” FBI and justice department. Trump will be in court alongside his close aide, Walt Nauta, who faces six criminal counts related to the alleged handling of national security documents. Both men are scheduled to make their initial appearances at 3pm local time (8pm BST).

Following Tuesday’s hearing, Trump is expected to return to Bedminster and address the media. Last week’s 37-count indictment comes after over 100 documents with classified markings were discovered at Trump’s private Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, in August. Federal prosecutors accuse Trump of illegally retaining documents, storing some in a ballroom and a shower at Mar-a-Lago, and conspiring with an aide to obstruct the government’s attempts to retrieve them.

The documents allegedly contained information about the defence and weapons capabilities of the US and foreign countries, as well as plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. The indictment claims that Trump tried to obstruct the FBI inquiry into the missing files by suggesting his lawyer “hide or destroy” them or tell investigators he did not have them. Legal experts suggest that the criminal charges could result in substantial prison time if Trump is convicted. However, Trump has vowed to continue his campaign for president regardless of the verdict.

Upon his arrival in Florida, Trump is expected to meet with potential legal counsel after two of his attorneys resigned on the day of his indictment. In court, Trump will have his charges read to him and is expected to enter a not-guilty plea before being released. A trial date is unlikely to be decided at this time.