Trump’s Classified Documents Case: What Happened In The Courtroom?

International

oi-Prakash KL

Former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to 37 charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents. His lawyers have asked for a jury trial during Trump’s arraignment at a federal courthouse in Miami.

“We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty,” Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche said.

He was arrested after surrendering to federal authorities at the Miami courthouse and the booking process took around 10 minutes, according to a report in NBC News.

Prior to the arraignment, deputy marshals booked Trump and took electronic copies of his fingerprints, according to a CNN report. However, his mugshot was not taken considering he is easily recognisable. His aide and co-defendant Walt Nautu has also been arrested, fingerprinted and processed.

In The Courtroom
He entered the courtroom around 2.45 pm (15 minutes before the scheduled start time). The former President was seen frowning at some points and was looking down toward the floor for most of the hearing, according to a report in ABC News.

Trump sat next to his co-defendant, Walt Nauta and waited quietly for the judge’s arrival.

Trump was prohibited from engaging in direct communication with any witnesses regarding the case, except by means of legal representation.

Nauta refrained from entering a plea due to the absence of local representation. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 27.

During the hearing, Trump never glanced back at Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Apart from whispering to his attorneys, who were seated beside him in court, Trump remained silent without making any statements regarding the case or addressing the court. Throughout the proceedings, he appeared glum, occasionally crossing his arms, slouching in his chair, and fidgeting, Washington Post reported.

Donald Trump and his aide Walt Nauta were both granted release on personal surety bonds.

No monetary payment or collateral was demanded from either individual for their release. Furthermore, no travel restrictions or passport surrender requirements were imposed, which are measures sometimes taken in cases where defendants may be considered flight risks.