Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be arraigned today, on 37 charges related to his handling of classified documents. As such, on Monday, Southern District of Florida Chief Judge Cecilia Altonaga ordered that all cell phones and electronic equipment are prohibited for members of the press inside the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami.
In her order the judge reminded attendees, that penalties for violating the order can include up to 30 days in jail, a $5,000 fine and/or punishment for contempt of court. Essentially, Altonaga's order, states that the U.S. Marshals Service will inspect all electronic equipment as they are brought into the courthouse, to-
"protect the Bench, Bar, and public from harm."
- Southern District of Florida Chief Judge Cecilia Altonaga
The 37 charges of Trumps indictment with today’s arraignment are in connection with special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation, into alleged mishandling of classified documents and alleged obstruction of justice. In a 49-page indictment Smith argued, that Trump intentionally took classified material with him when he left the White House in January of 2021.
In response Trump said at a GOP convention in Columbus, Georgia, over the weekend-
"Republicans are treated far different at the Justice Department than Democrats,"
-Former President Donald Trump
Many, political commentators and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, have weighed in on the severity of the arraignment and what it could mean for Trump's presidential campaign. Trump, the likely GOP choice, certainly the current front runner in the 2024 presidential race, announced he was launching a third presidential bid in November of 2022. Unless a conviction de-rails his run, things are setting up a potential rematch with President Biden. Trump is standing up for this nation and he is not a quitter. Stay tuned America, things could get really enlightening.
“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”
-Unknown