Former President Donald Trump arrived at a federal courthouse in Miami to answer to an investigation into his handling of classified documents before his arraignment Tuesday afternoon.
Last week, Trump became the first former president to be indicted by a federal grand jury. He faces 37 felony counts for allegedly mishandling classified documents. Trump has not denied having the documents but claims he is being unfairly singled out.
Mike Pence and Joe Biden both found they were in possession of classified documents from their respective vice presidential tenures, but both have maintained they have cooperated with authorities.
A U.S. Marshall source told Scripps News that Trump will be digitally fingerprinted and Trump’s photo will be uploaded into a court system. The source said he will not be placed in handcuffs nor have a mugshot taken.
Following being processed, he will be taken to a courtroom where he’ll face a judge who will inform him of the charges. Trump is expected to enter a not guilty plea during the arraignment.
The judge could also set bail and other conditions.
After the hearing, Trump is expected to address supporters Tuesday evening from his New Jersey resort as he continues campaigning for the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination.
An actual trial likely would not begin for some time, possibly in the heat of the 2024 election.
