Former President Trump's aide, Walt Nauta, entered a not guilty plea on Thursday, July 6, 2023, in a Miami federal court. The charges relate to the classified documents case involving the former president and 2024 GOP candidate. Nauta's arraignment, initially delayed due to difficulties securing Florida-licensed counsel and travel complications, took place at the James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building. He appeared alongside his Florida attorney, Sasha Dadan, and Washington lawyer, Stanley Woodward, with the latter officially entering the plea.

Following a brief five-minute proceeding, Nauta departed the courthouse in a black Mercedes-Benz without addressing the media. The June indictment alleges Nauta conspired with Trump to mishandle classified documents. The charges stem from an investigation by Special Counsel Jack Smith, focusing on documents allegedly retained by Trump after leaving the White House in January 2021.

During the hearing, Nauta confirmed to the judge that he had reviewed the indictment. His lawyer, Sasha Dadan, practices primarily in Fort Pierce, the same city where the presiding judge is based. This case follows Trump's own not guilty plea on June 13th to 37 counts, including willful retention of national defense information. These charges pertain to classified documents allegedly kept at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.