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.
