Former President Donald Trump made history as he became the first ex-U.S. President to face a judge on federal charges, pleading not guilty in a Miami courtroom on Tuesday. The charges against him include hoarding classified documents and refusing government demands to return them. This court appearance marks the beginning of a legal process that will unfold during the highly anticipated 2024 presidential campaign.
Despite his characteristic bravado displayed on social media, where he criticized the prosecution and claimed political persecution, Trump remained silent and scowling in the courtroom, with his lawyer entering a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Trump continued to portray himself as a victim of political persecution, calling the Justice Department special counsel a “thug” and “deranged.” In a speech at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, he threatened to go after President Joe Biden and his family if elected, expressing his dissatisfaction with the indictment and vowing to remain in the race.
