In court, Trump faced charges with no cameras present. Outside, he campaigned for all to see

By JOSHUA GOODMAN and SARA BURNETT
Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump gave a wave and thumbs-up to crowds gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Miami as he left his first court appearance on federal criminal charges. He then headed to a Cuban restaurant where he warmly greeted supporters in a scene that more closely resembled a campaign stop. Later Tuesday, he denounced the charges before a friendly crowd at a private golf club he owns. The post-court itinerary was part of Trump’s efforts at counterprogramming, as he campaigns again for president and maintains that he has been unfairly targeted. The attention from journalists and the screaming crowds were more signs of the extraordinary nature of the event.