Donald Trump indictment; what to expect ahead of Donald Trump’s arraignment in Miami

Though tomorrow is his birthday, we’re not sure if he’ll be in any mood for celebrating as Donald Trump heads to Miami this evening UK time for an arraignment hearing after his latest indictment. Currently residing in one of his hotels in Miami rather than the scene of the alleged crime - Mar-A-Lago - Trump is expected to fly back to one of his golf courses in order to give “comments” regarding his federal indictment to his supporters. 

The arraignment stems from his latest indictment for allegedly illegally retaining classified government documents after leaving office in 2021. The charges against him include mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice. Trump is accused of storing classified documents in various locations at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and directing his valet and aide, Walt Nauta, to move boxes of records to conceal them from his attorney, the FBI, and the grand jury.

The most serious charge brought against Trump is under the Espionage Act, which criminalises the unauthorised possession of national defence information and carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison. He is also facing charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators.

Trump, maintaining that this is a witch hunt against him throughout the details being revealed of the extent of his document taking, is expected to plead not guilty at the arraignment, much akin to his last hearing in New York, and should be be released is expected to continue on the campaign trail as he looks to secure the Republican nomination for the 2024 US Presidential election.

An indictment does not prevent a candidate from campaigning or taking office. Even if convicted, Trump could still run for president as long as he meets the constitutional requirements for candidacy. If he were to win the 2024 election, the Mar-a-Lago case would likely not proceed, considering the Department of Justice's policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents.

Regarding pardons, Joe Biden could potentially pardon Trump, and as president, Trump could attempt to pardon himself. However, the constitutionality of a self-pardon is a subject of debate among legal scholars. It's important to note that a self-pardon would not protect Trump from charges or convictions in state courts.

What is the expected itinerary for Donald Trump today?

Donald Trump is currently staying at one of his nearby hotels with his legal team, an is expecting to be arrive with a full motocade to the courthouse in Miami for his arraignment at around 3pm US time (7pm UK), with the arraignment set to last around 60 minutes if his previous one in a New York court on April 4 2023 is any indicator. He is set to plead not guilty to all 37 counts related to nuclear, military, and intelligence papers, including those on foreign countries.

Trump is then expected to fly (either by private jet or “Trump Force One”) back to Bedminster, based in the North East of the United States, to the Trump National Golf Club to give a statement regarding the arraignment to both the press and his supporters, schedule for 8:15pm US time (12:15am UK time.) 

What other legal cases has Trump faced ahead of this arraignment?

Where to begin? Do we start with the Stormy Daniels hush money scandal, where Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Or the case related to the alleged election tampering in Georgia, where Trump is being investigated for attempts to overturn Joe Biden's victory, where the charges are expected to be announced between July 11 and September 1, 2023. 

There was also the civil lawsuit between Trump and E. Jean Carroll where a jury found Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. The case is expected to be appealed. While another civil case filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges business fraud, claiming that Trump misrepresented his net worth and property valuations. 

The lawsuit seeks $250 million in damages and aims to permanently bar Trump and his adult children from operating a business in New York State. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023.