Trump pleads not guilty to 37 charges, supporters rally in Miami
Supporters of former US President Donald Trump gathered in Miami, Florida, as he pled not guilty to 37 charges of mishandling classified information. This indictment marks the first time a former US president has been federally prosecuted. Trump’s supporters rallied around the court, protesting the charges and claiming they are politically motivated to hinder his potential 2024 campaign.
Last week, the indictment against Trump accused him of retaining secret government files, including national defence-related documents, in violation of the Espionage Act. Prosecutors also alleged that Trump kept classified files in an unsecured location and showed them to unauthorised individuals during private meetings. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, called the charges a “blatant and unapologetic weaponisation of the criminal justice system.”
Despite concerns of unrest or violence, the day passed largely without incident. There were exchanges of shouting and insults between Trump supporters and counter-protesters, but no violence ensued. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez faced angry protesters who accused him of being a “Republican in Name Only” for not supporting Trump.
The arraignment begins a potentially lengthy legal process, with the case now entering a phase of discovery and pre-trial hearings. Legal experts caution against speculating about the potential sentence for Trump if convicted, but the charges are considered very serious. Trump’s legal troubles do not currently prevent him from running for a second term as president, even if he is convicted.
