Mr. Trump was indicted on 37 counts, including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
An investigation by Justice Department special prosecutor Jack Smith has helped recover many classified US government documents that Mr. Trump took to store at the Mar-a-Lago resort after his term ended in January 2021.
Artist's rendering of the June 13 trial in Miami
Photos released by the US Department of Justice show boxes of documents stored in several rooms at Mar-a-Lago, including bathrooms. The documents are said to contain information about the US nuclear program and weaknesses that could be exploited in an attack.
A day before his 77th birthday, Mr. Trump appeared in court, presided over by Judge Jonathan Goodman, to hear the charges. Mr. Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche later declared his client not guilty.
According to Reuters, Mr. Trump wore a blue suit and red tie, looked uncomfortable and leaned back in his chair. During the 47-minute hearing, Mr. Trump did not say anything.
He was allowed to leave the courthouse without bond or restrictions on his movements, and without having to post bail. Judge Goodman ruled that Mr. Trump is not allowed to contact potential witnesses in the case.
Trump aide Walt Nauta, who is also charged in the case, also appeared in court but, without a local attorney, will not enter a plea until June 27. Nauta was released without bail but is not allowed to contact witnesses.
As the motorcade carrying former President Trump left, his supporters near the courthouse shouted "we love Trump".
Mr. Trump leaves court on June 13.
Mr. Trump is the first former US president to be indicted for a federal crime. This is the second trial he has had to attend in the past few months. Previously, he was indicted by a grand jury in Manhattan, New York City (New York State) in connection with the payment of hush money to a porn actress who said she had a sexual relationship with him. At the trial in April, the former leader also declared his innocence.
After the Miami trial ended, Mr. Trump’s entourage stopped at a Cuban restaurant, where he told supporters that America was “rigged, corrupt and weakened” with “an out-of-control government .” He then headed to the airport and boarded a private jet to fly to his golf club in New Jersey, where he was to deliver a speech.
Mr. Trump boarded a plane leaving Florida
The former White House owner announced that he will continue his presidential campaign in 2024 despite the above allegations. The former leader has denied all allegations and said that the investigation is politically motivated.
Experts say the complexity of handling classified evidence and the legal maneuvering of Mr. Trump’s legal team could delay the trial for more than a year, during which time Mr. Trump would have the right to continue campaigning for the presidency and could be sworn into office if he wins, even if he is found guilty, according to Reuters.
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