After entering a not-guilty plea to 37 federal charges in Miami for his handling of classified documents, former President Donald Trump pulled up to the Versailles restaurant and created a scene by posing with supporters and staff, and requesting prayers.
Additional events at Versailles included giving thumbs up to the crowd, receiving a Happy Birthday singing tribute as he turns 77 on Wednesday, and buying food for everyone in attendance.
The Hill notes the importance of Florida for both its Cuban-American population and the support of the state to rival candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on all 37 charges in his federal indictment. Trump is accused of transferring classified documents from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago resort and working in conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Trump was arrested by deputy US Marshals and entered into a booking process along with his co-defendant Walt Nauta. Trump received electronic fingerprints but did not take a mugshot. Nauta arrived in a separate vehicle.
“Today is not about Donald J. Trump, who is defiant,” Trump lawyer Alina Habba said in a news conference. “It is not about the Republican Party. It is not about the 2024 election. It is about the destruction of the long-standing American principles that have set this country apart for so long.”
She added, “What is being done to President Trump should terrify all citizens of this country. This is not our America.”
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The arraignment took 10 minutes, and according to CNN, Trump was deemed not “a flight risk” and headed back to Bedminster, New Jersey, where he is expected to deliver remarks.
This indictment is the second for Trump in 2023. Earlier this year, a Manhattan grand jury charged Trump over hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
