Donald Trump to be arraigned over classified documents | First Thing

The former president, who faces 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency, is to make his first court appearance in the case in Miami

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Good morning.

Donald Trump is to make his first appearance today in federal court in Miami after being charged with 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency.

What to expect: Though Trump's initial appearance will most likely be brief - he will be formally presented with the criminal charges against him so he can enter a plea - police in Miami have said they are ready to handle any protests outside the courthouse.

Make no mistake about it, we're taking this event extremely seriously, and there's a potential for things to take a turn for the worse," said the city's police chief, Manuel Morales.

Trump heads to court with the backing of Republican voters: 80% of likely Republican voters think Trump should remain eligible for re-election to the presidency even if he is convicted.