Former President Donald Trump has just revealed some new details regarding a “secret document” that was previously discussed in an audio recording. This classified documentation is at the center of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation.
The consequences, should Trump be found guilty, could prove to be severe with decades in prison being a possibility.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that Trump showed classified materials to individuals who were not authorized to possess them on two occasions at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. In June 2021, CNN reported that federal prosecutors had obtained an audio recording of a meeting between Trump and several associates during which he acknowledged keeping a secret Pentagon document related to Iran attack plans.
This goes against his claim that all relevant information was declassified before leaving office under Presidential Records Act provisions. The charges include willful retention and conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding or concealing records or documents during a federal investigation, making false statements and representations, etc.
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier recently, Trump strongly denied showing anyone this military plan for attacking Iran prepared by US Army General Mark Milley and added that he never ordered such plans either. He said “I never ordered that to happen no” when asked if he had revealed any classified military strategies on Iran attack plans during the summer 2021 meet up at Mar-a-Lago golf club in Bedminster NJ mentioned earlier.
Several former members of the administration have come out saying the ‘secret plan’ did not actually exist after all.
Recently, Smith’s team told the Federal judge overseeing Donald Trump’s case that they had incorrectly stated they turned over evidence as required by law when indicting Carlos De Oliveira for supposedly conspiring with Donald Trump to delete surveillance footage from Mar-a-Lago estate but it turns out the video used as evidence hadn’t been uploaded yet.
All CCTV footage has now been provided to defendants as per Brady rule which requires prosecutors disclose all evidence favorable towards defendants.
