Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 37 federal criminal counts in Mar-a-Lago case

Ex-president arraigned and charged in Miami court over allegations he mishandled classified documents

Throughout the short hearing, Trump appeared frustrated as he sat at the defense table, frowning with his arms crossed. File picture: AP Photo/George Walker IV

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents at his formal arraignment on Tuesday, becoming the first former US president to face federal criminal charges.

Federal prosecutors accused Trump of willfully withholding classified documents obtained during his presidency and obstructing justice in his efforts to conceal those materials from authorities, as detailed in a 49-page indictment unsealed on Friday.