Trump makes historic appearance in Miami over possession of state secrets

Washington Correspondent

A large police force was deployed in Miami on Tuesday for the indictment of Donald Trump by the Florida federal court. The former president appeared before the judge at 3 p.m. to hear the indictment and answer whether or not he pleads guilty to the 37 charges against him.

Trump is used to historic firsts, but the event remains unprecedented. A Manhattan court was the first to indict a former president last April. Trump's arrival in New York was broadcast live as an international event. But the indictment by federal justice is a much more serious matter and with much more serious consequences. Trump, and his valet, Walt Nauta, accused of having been his accomplice, are liable to prison terms, in accordance with the Espionage Act.

Unlike his appearance in New York, the appearance was to be held behind closed doors, as cameras and cameras are not permitted in federal courts. The court drawings were to be the only images of the appearance. Trump's fingerprints were to be taken electronically, but forensic photos were not planned. Since the court has an underground entrance, it was not even certain that Trump's arrival or departure was even filmed. Trump should be freed pending trial, and there should be no bail, nor any sequestration of his passport. The former president is then expected to fly to his New Jersey golf club, where he announced he would deliver a speech in the evening.

However, the municipality of Miami has prepared to deal with possible overflows. Supporters of Donald Trump gathered outside the court on Tuesday morning, and outside the hotel where he stayed on Monday evening. Trump launched a message on his Truth Social network, giving an appointment Tuesday in Miami. Messages calling for protests have been posted online by groups like the Proud Boys. But many activists belonging to organized groups avoid participating in demonstrations under police surveillance, so as not to be trapped and arrested.

True to his method, Trump framed his indictment as a political cabal. “Say a prayer for America today, because our justice system is DEAD,” he also wrote. “Around 3 p.m., Biden’s Justice Department is to ARREST his main opponent (me) in federal court in Miami, despite having committed NO CRIME.”

Some Trump supporters have openly threatened to use violence. “If you want to reach President Trump, you will find me on your way with 75 million Americans like me”, launched in Georgia Kari Lake, former candidate for governor of Arizona, and ex-television presenter turned a muse of the Trumpist movement, showing her card from the NRA, the association for the defense of the carrying of arms. "It's not a threat. This is a public service announcement." But the threats of disturbing public order will not stop the federal judicial machine which has just been set in motion. Trump's indictment in federal court is more serious than any of his previous run-ins with the law. “The indictment is very detailed, and it is overwhelming,” Bill Barr, Trump’s former attorney general, commented on Sunday. “Even if only half of the accusations are true, he is cooked.”

“Presenting Trump as the victim of a witch hunt is ridiculous,” also said the former attorney general, who broke up with Trump after the 2020 presidential election, “he has been in the past… His adversaries obsessively pursued him with bogus claims, and I stood by his side to defend him…but this case is very different”.