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Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling sensitive files in a federal court in Miami, Florida. 

This marks the first time a current or former US president has faced a federal criminal indictment, adding to the interest in the case.

While Trump was spared a mugshot, he was required to undergo digital fingerprinting and provide a DNA sample through a swab. 

This court appearance represents the second time he has faced legal proceedings this year. But the last case was civil.

Inside a courtroom on the 13th floor, Mr. Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, formally entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf for the 37 counts, including illegally retaining classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them.

Maintaining his innocence, the former president appeared solemn, seated in a dark suit with a red tie, his arms crossed.

Not Guilty Pleading

Seated at the same table was Mr. Trump's co-defendant, Walt Nauta, a close aide facing six criminal counts related to the case. Like Mr. Trump, Nauta also pleaded not guilty.

Mr. Trump was allowed to leave the court without any restrictions, as prosecutors informed Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman that he was not considered a flight risk. Accompanied by a motorcade, the former president had been driven from the Trump National Doral resort, where he had spent the night.

During the drive, Mr. Trump posted several messages on his social media platform, Truth Social, including a capitalized statement expressing his belief that it was one of the saddest days in the country's history, lamenting a perceived decline.

Alina Habba, an attorney for the former president, echoed Mr. Trump's claims outside the court, suggesting that the charges were politically motivated. She compared the situation to targeting political opponents seen in dictatorships such as Cuba and Venezuela, stating that the prosecution should concern all citizens.

Rather than undergoing the customary booking photo, the US Marshals Service opted to use a previously taken picture of Mr. Trump, sparing him from potential humiliation. Officials at the court provided this information during a briefing with journalists.

Following the court appearance, Mr. Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, is expected to return to his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he plans to address the media.

Outside the courthouse, groups of Trump supporters and some counter-protesters gathered. While city authorities had prepared for possible unrest, Mayor Francis Suarez assured reporters that there had been no security issues thus far.