MIAMI  —Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges in a federal court in Miami, marking the first time a former president has faced such charges.

The accusations include hoarding classified documents and refusing to return them to the government. The court proceedings hold significant implications for Trump's political future and personal freedom, coinciding with the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump appeared silent and scowling in the courtroom while his attorney entered the not guilty plea. No travel restrictions or passport surrender were imposed at this stage.

The charges against Trump encompass hush money payments and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, making this another significant legal challenge he faces. 

Following the hearing, Trump celebrated his birthday with supporters, underscoring the delicate balance he must strike between campaigning and his legal troubles. The gravity of the situation is apparent as Trump confronts a serious and unprecedented scenario.

The indictment last week marked Trump as the first former president to be charged by the Justice Department for mishandling classified information.

The 37 felony counts, some under the Espionage Act, accuse Trump of unlawfully storing classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and attempting to conceal them from investigators. A conviction could result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Trump has portrayed himself as a victim of political persecution and made false claims while addressing his supporters, even threatening to target President Joe Biden and his family if elected. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the indictment, claiming it should never have happened.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith to handle the case, aiming to shield the Department of Justice from political attacks. Smith and his team of prosecutors attended the arraignment.

Despite concerns about potential protests, disruptions during the court appearance were minimal. Trump remained mostly silent, occasionally whispering to his attorneys and engaging in minor activities as the conditions of his release were discussed.

The magistrate judge did not require Trump to surrender his passport, deeming him not to be a flight risk.

However, the judge instructed Trump not to discuss the case with certain witnesses, including his valet, Walt Nauta, who was indicted alongside him.

Nauta did not enter a plea due to the absence of a local lawyer. Trump's attorney objected to these restrictions, citing the potential witness status of individuals he interacts with regularly, including staff and his protection detail.

Trump exhibited no emotional reaction as law enforcement escorted him out of the courtroom. The investigation into his handling of documents has garnered attention due to the substantial evidence and serious allegations involved.

While a federal grand jury in Washington had been involved in the case, it was filed in Florida, where Mar-a-Lago is situated, and where the alleged obstruction occurred. The case has been assigned to District Court Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, who previously ruled in his favor in a dispute over the appointment of an outside special master to review seized documents, although her ruling was later overturned by a federal appeals panel.

Furthermore, the indictment accuses Trump of obstructing government efforts to recover the documents, including directing his valet to move boxes and suggesting the hiding or destruction of documents sought by a Justice Department subpoena, as discussed with his lawyer.

The seriousness of the charges and the involvement of potential witnesses, including attorney M. Evan Corcoran, who appears repeatedly in the charging document, contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Trump's defense strategies as the case progresses.