Former President Donald Trump faces indictment over the mishandling of classified documents after his departure from the White House, according to The Hill. The indictment includes seven federal criminal charges related to retaining hundreds of classified government documents and making false statements. The case is the result of an investigation sparked when the National Archives sought the return of presidential records from Trump’s team. Eventually, nearly 200 classified records were turned over. The Justice Department’s probe was initiated following a subpoena for records and an August 2022 search of Trump’s property. This search led to the discovery of over 100 additional classified records. Previously, Trump’s team had only handed over 38 classified records when requested to surrender any remaining classified materials.
CNN reports that at least one charge against Trump will be a conspiracy charge. The warrant obtained by the FBI for the property search indicated they anticipated finding evidence supporting violations of the Espionage Act, obstruction of justice, and another statute prohibiting the retention of government records.
The indictment is a significant historical event, marking the first time a former president has faced federal criminal charges.
Trump was previously indicted on state charges in New York in a separate case.
The former president has defended himself by asserting he had the right to take the documents and could unilaterally declassify them without any formal process. Last week, however, several outlets reported that prosecutors had obtained 2021 audio of Trump discussing a classified Pentagon document in his possession. He indicated restrictions on who could access it, potentially undermining his defence.
The situation could cast a shadow over Trump’s 2024 campaign for the White House. Despite this, Trump and his team were quick to respond, rallying support and using the news as a fundraising opportunity. Shortly after the charges were announced, Trump’s campaign sent out an email soliciting funds.
Trump, due to appear in a Miami federal court on Tuesday afternoon, expressed his disbelief and proclaimed his innocence on the social media platform, Truth Social. “I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States… I AM AN INNOCENT MAN!” he wrote. Trump called the indictment a “dark day” for the country, signalling a significant decline but reaffirmed his commitment to “Make America Great Again!”.
Special counsel Jack Smith has overseen the investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents since his appointment in November. Trump’s legal representatives met with Justice Department officials, including Smith, earlier in the week. Many experts interpreted this meeting as an indication that Smith’s investigation was nearing its conclusion.