Former President Donald Trump, alongside his aide, Walt Nauta, have both declared their innocence regarding new charges related to classified documents that were discovered at Mar-a-Lago. This marks the second occasion in the span of a week where Trump has refuted allegations brought forth by federal prosecutors, as he continues to position himself as the frontrunner for the GOP nomination in the upcoming 2024 presidential race.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Shaniek Mills Maynard accepted Trump’s plea, which was submitted through legal documents. Trump voluntarily waived his right to physically appear in court for the hearing. Nauta, accompanied by Carlos De Oliveira, Mar-a-Lago’s property manager, was present during the proceedings and similarly asserted his plea of not guilty to the amended charges.

However, De Oliveira was unable to enter a plea due to the absence of a Florida-based attorney, as mandated by local court regulations. His arraignment has now been rescheduled for August 15.

The new indictment alleges that De Oliveira and Nauta conspired with Trump to erase surveillance footage from Mar-a-Lago, which was being sought after by investigators. The charges they face encompass conspiracy to obstruct justice, as a result of the discovery of undisclosed government documents at Trump’s Palm Beach club subsequent to his departure from the White House in 2021.

Despite the ongoing legal battles, Trump has persistently maintained his innocence throughout various cases this year, characterizing the charges as politically motivated. His determination to reclaim the presidency in 2024 remains unwavered, regardless of the ongoing legal proceedings.