Former US President Donald Trump indicted and arrested again

Trump’s plea, entered before US Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman in a federal court in Miami, sets up a legal battle likely to play out over coming months as he campaigns to win back the presidency in a November 2024 election.

Experts say it could be a year or more before a trial takes place. The hearing was closed to cameras and live broadcasts. Trump’s former aide Walt Nauta, also charged in the case, appeared in court as well.

It was the second courtroom visit for Trump in recent months. In April, he pleaded not guilty to state charges in New York stemming from a hush-money payment to a porn star. Trump is the first former president to be charged with federal crimes.

Trump has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and accuses Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration of targeting him. He called Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the prosecution, a “Trump hater” on social media on Tuesday.

Smith accuses Trump of risking national secrets by taking thousands of sensitive papers with him when he left the White House in January 2021 and storing them in a haphazard manner at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate and his New Jersey golf club, according to a grand jury indictment released last week.

The 37-count indictment alleges Trump lied to officials who tried to get them back. The indictment also alleges Trump conspired with Nauta to keep classified documents and hide them from a federal grand jury. Nauta has worked for Trump at the White House and at Mar-a-Lago.

Experts say the complexities of handling classified evidence and legal manoeuvring by Trump’s lawyers could delay a trial by more than a year. In the meantime, Trump is free to campaign for the presidency and could take office even if he were to be found guilty.

Donald Trump Indicted in Multiple Cases, Supporters Rally as Former President Becomes Defendant

In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald J. Trump has found himself at the center of multiple legal battles as he was indicted today in a federal criminal case related to hush money payments and ongoing investigations into his attempts to retain power following the 2020 election and the subsequent Capitol assault. Trump’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty, while inside, authorities ensured a swift and discreet process.

Under the heavy presence of law enforcement officers, small groups of pro-Trump demonstrators rallied outside the courthouse, showing their steadfast support for the former president. Trump, who has consistently labeled the indictments as politically motivated and part of a long-running witch hunt against him, found solace in the vocal backing of his devoted followers.

Inside the courthouse, however, the proceedings moved swiftly, with authorities keen to avoid any actions that could be construed as an attempt to humiliate the former president. Notably, Donald Trump was not subjected to having his mug shot taken, a customary practice for individuals facing federal charges. The government also refrained from imposing travel restrictions typically placed on serious crime suspects. Prosecutors displayed a surprising willingness to grant him favorable bond terms without demanding cash bail, further minimizing potential embarrassment for the former president.

The indictments against Donald Trump stem from two separate cases. In Manhattan, the district attorney filed charges connected to hush money payments made to a porn star prior to the 2016 election. Meanwhile, a prosecutor in Fulton County, Georgia, is intensively scrutinizing Trump’s actions in attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Additionally, a federal investigation led by Mr. Smith is examining Trump’s efforts to cling to power and the subsequent assault on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on January 6, 2021.

Protesters outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday during Mr. Trump’s arraignment. Credit.. Doug Mills/The New York Times

As the legal battles commence, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the former president’s fate. Trump’s supporters fervently believe in his innocence and denounce the indictments as politically motivated. Meanwhile, critics assert that the charges against Donald Trump are essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing.

This latest development catapults Donald J. Donald Trump into a new chapter of his post-presidential life—one that is fraught with legal challenges and significant public scrutiny. Only time will tell how these multiple cases will unfold and what impact they will have on the political landscape and the legacy of the 45th president of the United States.

Donald Trump Energizes Cuban-American Support with Campaign-Style Rally in Miami

“ON MY WAY TO COURTHOUSE. WITCH HUNT!!!” he wrote at one point.

In a whirlwind of events today, former President Donald J. Trump rallied his fervent Cuban-American supporters in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, displaying his unwavering strength among the community. With chants of “Donald Trump” and “Viva el presidente!” reverberating through the air, Trump’s campaign-style stop highlighted his enduring appeal, particularly among older Cuban exiles.

Amidst an electrified atmosphere, Donald Trump made a highly anticipated visit to Versailles, proudly dubbed the “world’s most famous Cuban restaurant.” The venue buzzed with excitement as a crowd of ardent supporters eagerly awaited his arrival. Among them were a rabbi and a nondenominational minister, who offered prayers on behalf of the former president, underscoring the diverse coalition that has rallied behind him.

Following his spirited engagement with supporters, Donald Trump embarked on his private jet, bound for New Jersey. There, he hosted a high-profile fund-raiser, extending invitations exclusively to donors who had raised a minimum of $100,000 for his campaign. The event, labeled a “candlelight dinner,” created an intimate setting for Trump and his most dedicated contributors to interact and discuss the future of his political endeavors.

Later in the evening, Donald Trump delivered remarks at his prestigious Bedminster golf club, situated amidst the verdant landscapes of New Jersey. Despite his subdued demeanor, barely concealing a tinge of anger, the former president affirmed his unwavering conviction in his actions, boldly declaring, “I did everything right, and they indicted me.”

Trump’s visit to Miami and subsequent engagements reflect his continuous efforts to galvanize support and maintain a strong connection with his base. Cuban Americans, in particular, have remained steadfast allies, inspired by his staunch opposition to the Cuban regime and his promises to champion their cause.

As the court proceedings, which have shadowed Donald Trump for some time, draw to a close, he finds solace in the unwavering support he receives from his loyal followers. With the echoes of cheers and chants still resonating in his ears, Trump’s future remains an enigma, with many eagerly anticipating his next political move.

In a nation divided and a political landscape forever changed, one thing remains certain: Donald J. Trump’s influence and connection with his supporters show no signs of waning.