Trump Announces Indictment, Scheduled Court Appearance

Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Miami, Florida, as reported by the Department of Justice. He is set to appear at the David W. Dyer Federal Building and United States Courthouse on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.\

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While Trump did not specifically confirm the charges are related to the confidential documents found at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, he indicated this is likely the case. Multiple sources disclosed to The New York Times that Trump faces seven counts, which include the willful retention of national defense secrets violating the Espionage Act, and conspiracy to obstruct.

The indictment was reportedly filed by the office of John L. Smith, head of the Department of Justice’s special counsel investigating the Mar-a-Lago documents and Trump’s actions surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

Trump Accuses DOJ of Double Standards

In his statement via his social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticized what he described as a double standard by the Department of Justice for not investigating President Joe Biden’s classified files as vigorously.

He also referred to a series of boxes containing documents located at several places associated with Biden, including the University of Delaware, Chinatown in Washington D.C., and the University of Pennsylvania.

Trump Maintains Innocence and Leads in Polls

As he seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Trump cited polling data that shows him leading Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis and President Biden, and declared his innocence.

“I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States, who received far more votes than any sitting President in the History of our Country, and is currently leading, by far, all Candidates, both Democrat and Republican, in Polls of the 2024 Presidential Election,” Trump said.

He further referred to his indictment as a “DARK DAY for the United States of America,” claiming the country is in a serious and rapid decline but vowing to “Make America Great Again.”

The Department of Justice has not yet responded to or confirmed Trump’s announcement. Rumors of the impending indictment by special counsel Smith had emerged earlier this week, but Trump’s statement is the first official acknowledgment from either party.

Rhonna Morala