Former President Donald Trump made history when he became the first former president to face federal charges.
On June 8, a federal grand jury indicted Trump on 37 counts related to his alleged storing of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after he left the White House in 2021.
Trump was arraigned June 13 at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Courthouse in Florida, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts. The charges against Trump include alleged violations of the 1917 Espionage Act and obstruction of justice.
In the leadup to Trump’s indictment, misinformation spread online about the charges Trump faces, President Joe Biden’s role in the case and other officials’ handling of classified records. False claims also circulated about key figures in the case, including Attorney General Merrick Garland and District Judge Aileen Cannon.
Here’s a roundup of claims USA TODAY has debunked related to the case:
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Claim: Merrick Garland stripped Trump of right to run in 2024 after evidence of 'justice obstruction' was found
Our rating: False
Garland does not have the authority to prevent Trump from running for president, according to legal experts. Even if Trump is indicted in the classified documents case, he can still run for president. Read more.
Claim: Biden ordered Trump's indictment
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