Donald Trump indictment updates – Special counsel Jack Smith reveals 38 charges before press conference as lawyers quit
FORMER President Donald Trump has been charged with 37 felony counts for mishandling classified documents and his valet, Walt Nauta, faces an additional count of making false statements.
An indictment unsealed Friday also alleges that Trump described a Pentagon “plan of attack” and shared a classified map related to a military operation.
He allegedly brought the documents to his home in Florida without proper authorization - and will face the charges at a federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, according to his latest post on Truth Social.
Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith addressed the public on Friday at 3pm ET.
The indictment comes after Trump announced he's running for president again in 2024 - meaning he'll be facing off against DeSantis.
Follow our Donald Trump arrest live blog for the latest news and updates...
Reporters lined up yesterday
Reporters began lining up near the courthouse yesterday at 2pm, the reported.
Journalists from NBC were the first to arrive and were soon joined by local and international reporters.
Robert Samuel, the founder of Same Ole Line Dudes, a company that outsources people to wait in line has received many calls from journalists.
He told The Times his clients included reporters from ABC, NBC, CNN, and Rolling Stone.
Trump moves to change trial location
Donald Trump has expressed he wants his trial to be moved from Manhattan to Staten Island.
He posted on Truth Social: "VERY UNFAIR VENUE, WITH SOME AREAS THAT VOTED 1% REPUBLICAN. THIS CASE SHOULD BE MOVED TO NEARBY STATEN ISLAND - WOULD BE A VERY FAIR AND SECURE LOCATION FOR THE TRIAL.
"ADDITIONALLY, THE HIGHLY PARTISAN JUDGE & HIS FAMILY ARE WELL KNOWN TRUMP HATERS."
George Santos makes appearance
Representative George Santos made an appearance at a rally today for former President Donald Trump.
Santos told reporters: “I’m here in support of the president.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene spotted
captured photos of Marjorie Taylor Greene entering a car parked near the courthouse.
She was surrounded by police and security as protestors crowded her.
People banged on the doors of her vehicle as a driver attempted to pull away.
First-ever criminal charges against a president
Donald Trump has made history as the first president ever to face criminal charges.
The charges stem from hush money payments sent to porn star Stormy Daniels during the final days of his 2016 presidential campaign.
According to the , a conviction is uncertain and hinges on the testimony of Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen.
Trump's lawyer anticipates a 'tough' trial
Donald Trump's lawyer, Timothy Parlatore told that Judge Merchan can be tough.
He stated: "I’ve tried a case in front of him before. He could be tough. I don’t think it’s necessarily going to be something that’s going to change his ability to evaluate the facts and the law in this case.”
Parlatore added Merchan was "not easy" the last time he was in court.
Judge Merchan's history with Trump
Judge Merchan has presided over many cases involving the former president.
The judge sentenced Allen Weisselberg to prison and oversaw Steve Bannon's criminal fraud case, both of which are in Trump's close circle.
Merchan also presided over the Trump Organization tax fraud trial, reports.
Judge Merchan's history with Trump
Judge Merchan has presided over many cases involving the former president.
The judge sentenced Allen Weisselberg to prison and oversaw Steve Bannon's criminal fraud case, both of which are in Trump's close circle.
Merchan also presided over the Trump Organization tax fraud trial, reports.
More on Merchan's response
Judge Juan Merchan denied the request by several media outlets to broadcast the arraignment.
Judge Merchan said: “The populace rightly hungers for the most accurate and current information available. To suggest otherwise would be disingenuous.”
Despite his understanding of the request, he rejected it due to "competing interests."
Trump's legal team has also advocated against a media presence for security purposes.
Arraignment will not be broadcasted
The judge presiding over Donald Trump's indictment, Juan Merchan denied requests by several media outlets to broadcast Trump's arraignment.
The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal wrote a letter to the court asking for permission to have a limited number of production crews attend the arrangement.
Judge Merchan rejected the request but added: “That this indictment involves a matter of monumental significance cannot possibly be disputed. Never in the history of the United States has a sitting or past President been indicted on criminal charges.
"Mr. Trump’s arraignment has generated unparalleled public interest and media attention,” according to .
Arraignment will not be broadcasted
The judge presiding over Donald Trump's indictment, Juan Merchan denied requests by several media outlets to broadcast Trump's arraignment.
The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal wrote a letter to the court asking for permission to have a limited number of production crews attend the arrangement.
Judge Merchan rejected the request but added: “That this indictment involves a matter of monumental significance cannot possibly be disputed. Never in the history of the United States has a sitting or past President been indicted on criminal charges.
"Mr. Trump’s arraignment has generated unparalleled public interest and media attention,” according to .
Why there may not be a mugshot
Sources told , that Donald Trump will not have his mugshot taken when he arrives at the Manhattan courthouse today.
Authorities were concerned about the photo being leaked to the public which is a violation of state law.
What to expect
Due to Donald Trump's status as a former president, his arrest will look different than one of an ordinary citizen.
There will be an intense amount of security coordinated between the Secret Service and NYPD.
He is expected to arrive at the office during the early afternoon.
'This is not his focus'
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about former President Donald Trump's arrest today.
She responded that it's not President Joe Biden's focus.