大象传媒

Donald Trump: Why is the former US President back in court?

  • Published
Donald TrumpImage source, Reuters

The former US President, Donald Trump was back in court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to his charges.

He is in court over his handling, after he left the White House, of classified government documents, some of which were marked as top secret.

This is the second time Mr Trump has appeared in court this year.

It's the first time a US president - current or former - has faced a federal criminal indictment.

An indictment is a document that sets out details of charges against a person, ensuring they have notice of their alleged criminal offences.

After pleading not guilty at the federal court in Miami, Florida, Mr Trump headed to his golf club in New Jersey, where he gave a speech to his supporters.

He told the crowd he had "every right" to hold the classified documents, but "hadn't had a chance to go through all the boxes".

What happened at court?

Image source, REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
Image caption,

Donald Trump gave a speech to supporters after appearing in court

Donald Trump has been accused of keeping files with important and sensitive information without permission.

He appeared quiet in court, he didn't speak but his lawyers pleaded not guilty to the charges on his behalf.

No cameras, phones or laptops were allowed inside the courthouse in Miami.

Before heading into court, Mr Trump was processed like any other defendant. He had his fingerprints taken, date of birth and address details recorded, but no mugshot photo was taken. Officials said he was so famous, they didn't need another photo.

There isn't a date for the trial yet, it could be months away. If he is found guilty, legal experts say he could face a significant time in prison.

After leaving court, he headed to his golf club in New Jersey where there were crowds of his supporters who cheered for him and sang happy birthday, as he turns 77 on Wednesday.

Speaking to the crowds he said he had followed the law, then went on to make unsupported claims again current US president Joe Biden.

It's the second time he has appeared in court this year. A few months ago, he became the first former president of the US to face criminal charges and he went to court to defend himself against claims he had acted unlawfully.

He faces a trial in that case in New York next year.

Can he become president again?

Mr Trump has said he is running to become US president in 2024.

These charges against him, which include making false statements to investigators, wouldn't stop him from campaigning to become president.

If he was found guilty he could also still potentially become president too. There aren't any rules stopping a convicted felon - someone who commits a serious crime - from becoming president.

Who is Donald Trump?

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Donald Trump used to present the American version of The Apprentice TV show

Donald Trump is an American politician, businessman and former reality TV star.

He was the president of the United States of America from 2017 to 2021.

He is also famous for being the host of the American version of the TV show, The Apprentice, before he became president.

He lost the US presidential election in 2021 and he hopes to run for the top job again in 2024.

Why is Donald Trump famous?

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Trump is a businessman known for developing hotels and casinos

Although many people are aware of Donald Trump because of his presidency, he was actually well known before he took up the top job in the White House.

Mr Trump is also a businessman who made a lot of money through buying and selling land and properties, like the houses people live in, or the buildings businesses are run from.

Much of the 77-year-old's fame came from the many properties he owns, including big homes, golf courses, resorts, hotels and casinos.

The former president was also the host of the TV show The Apprentice for 14 seasons, from 2004 until 2015.

The show was very successful in America and the British version of The Apprentice, hosted by Alan Sugar, was introduced in the UK not long after.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

The British version of The Apprentice started because of its popularity in the US

In 2016 he won the election to become US president.

Donald Trump is said to have been be richest president in American history, with his fortune once estimated at about $3 billion.

He is married to Melania Trump and has five children and 10 grandchildren. Four of his children are adults and his youngest son, Barron, is 17.