Donald Trump has become the first former US president to face a judge on federal charges, pleading not guilty in a Miami courtroom overnight to allegations he hoarded classified documents. Trump faces 37 felony counts that accuse him of wilfully retaining classified records that prosecutors say could have jeopardised national security if exposed, and trying to hide them from investigators who demanded them back (AP). According to the indictment, Trump hoarded hundreds of classified documents in non-secure places, including details on US nuclear programs and defence capabilities (CBS). The indictment alleges that Trump showed sensitive documents to others on at least two occasions, telling the individuals that the plan was “highly confidential” and “secret”. Trump used his Truth Social platform to claim — without evidence — that investigators planted documents in his home, declaring “they taint everything that they touch, including our country, which is rapidly going to HELL!”It comes as Truth Social opens up to Australian users, after the removal of geoblocking that prevented citizens from most countries from accessing the website (Crikey).
