Following his arraignment in Miami, former President Donald Trump addressed the federal indictment against him, labeling it a politically motivated attack and "election interference" orchestrated by the Biden administration. He decried the charges as an unprecedented abuse of power.
Trump, the leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate, entered a not guilty plea to 37 felony counts related to the handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. The charges, brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, include willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements.
Speaking from his Bedminster golf club, Trump criticized Smith as a "deranged lunatic" and accused President Biden of orchestrating the charges against his chief political rival. He compared the situation to something out of a "fascist or communist nation." Trump argued that the Presidential Records Act, not the Espionage Act, governs his handling of the documents, asserting his right to retain them. He claimed he is facing hundreds of years in prison for actions taken by other presidents.
Drawing comparisons to Hillary Clinton's email controversy and past actions by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Trump insisted he "did everything right." He criticized the Justice Department as weaponized against him.
Trump further attacked Smith, calling him a "thug" and a "Trump hater." The indictment details 31 counts related to retaining national defense information, including documents concerning military capabilities, nuclear weaponry, and communications with foreign leaders.
Trump also brought up allegations against President Biden concerning his son Hunter Biden's business dealings and referenced alleged audio recordings. He pledged to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the Bidens if re-elected. Trump framed the indictment as an attack not just on him but on his supporters, declaring he is the only one who can "save this nation."
