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Donald Trump/Photo by Reuters
Trump pleads not guilty to all 37 charges
Gary O’Donoghue
Reporting from Miami, Florida
So here we are again. Act II of the same play that began in New York just a couple of months ago.
The play is, to say the least, a little repetitive.
A motorcade to a courtroom; finger prints taken; a not guilty plea; and a press conference late in the day to turn the event from a legal one to a political opportunity.
In the first act, Donald Trump succeeded in raising millions in contributions and riling up his base; he’ll seek to do exactly the same once again.
The question is how many more acts will there be. Perhaps one set in Georgia where he is potentially facing more criminal charges over attempts to overturn the election there – a decision on that due in August; perhaps another dealing with the January 6 attack on the Capitol where the former president is being investigated over his role in riling up the crowd before they marched on Congress.
One thing is clear, Donald Trump will be hoping this isn’t a five act tragedy that ends up with him in jail.
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Walt Nauta also pleads not guilty
Walt Nauta, the former president’s co-defendant and personal military aide, has also entered a “not guilty” plea.
Nauta is believed to be performing duel roles today – as a co-defendant in the case, and as Trump’s personal valet.
He has been a constant fixture at the former president’s side.
Copyright: Getty Images
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Trump ‘not a flight risk’, prosecutors say
Donald Trump was allowed to leave the court today with no travel conditions set for his bail.
Prosecutors told Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman they did not believe the former president was a “flight risk.”
This was thought to be the case because Trump, who owns a private plane, still has Secret Service protection.
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How the plea was entered
On Donald Trump’s behalf, lawyer Todd Blanche entered the plea.
“We are certainly entering a plea of not guilty,” Blanche told the court.
US media called the proceedings “very barebones” and “pro forma”, saying it only lasted roughly five minutes.
Copyright: ReutersImage caption: Donald Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche after Trump’s arraignment in New York city in April Video content
Video caption: Trump supporters outside court: ‘It doesn’t matter’ -
BREAKINGDonald Trump pleads not guilty to all 37 charges
As expected, Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges in his 37-count indictment.
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Who is Judge Jonathan Goodman?
Judge Jonathan Goodman, a magistrate judge, is presiding over Trump’s Tuesday court appearance.
As the magistrate, he will handle the procedural aspects of today’s proceedings, like reading Trump the 37 charges against him and hearing Trump’s plea.
However, Goodman is not expected to continue with the case after today.
Proceedings will resume with judge Aileen M Cannon, who has been chosen to oversee the trial.
The Miami Herald, a local newspaper, once described Goodman as “a well-regarded veteran magistrate”.
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Trump enters courtroom
Donald Trump has just entered the courtroom for his arraignment.
Florida magistrate judge Jonathan Goodman will read the 37 criminal charges against him, as well as the six charges his personal aide and co-defendant Walt Nauta is facing.
Trump has said he will plead not guilty to the charges.
Special Counsel Jack Smith – who announced the historic federal indictment last week – is attending the hearing and is sitting in the front row.
Source:BBC
