Donald Trump has become the first former or current president to be indicted with a federal crime. Trump has been charged with seven criminal counts relating to his handling of classified documents that he kept after leaving the White House. Federal officials attempted to retrieve the documents, but Trump is accused of resisting their efforts and holding onto the files himself.
The charges include willfully retaining national defense secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, making false statements and conspiracy to obstruct justice. However, the Justice Department has not yet confirmed or announced the charges.
While it’s not uncommon for federal officials to accidentally hold on to classified documents, Trump’s case is different due to his apparent efforts to keep the documents, even as federal officials asked for their return.
Trump has dismissed the charges and investigation as a political witch hunt, claiming that he is innocent. The charges, regardless, raise questions about whether they will affect Trump’s potential third run for president. Below, we will explore the case and the possible ramifications of the indictment.
The Case Against Trump
The charges date back to January 2021 when Trump left office and some documents were shipped from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Much of the following year saw the National Archives attempt to recover the documents, which were considered government property. Trump eventually turned over 15 boxes of material in January 2022 after a search by his lawyers.
However, Trump did not surrender everything in his possession. In August, an FBI search of Mar-a-Lago uncovered over 100 classified documents. The Justice Department later investigated the extent to which Trump tried to hide these documents—even after being served with a subpoena.
Trump claims he was allowed to keep the files because he had declassified them before taking them home. But officials appear to have a recording of Trump discussing a sensitive military document and acknowledging that it was not declassified. Investigators have also interviewed Mar-a-Lago staff and reviewed security footage as they build their case.
It’s important to note that many of the documents’ contents have not been made public. However, dozens of files from Mar-a-Lago had classified markings.
Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing the case, secured the indictment against Trump in Miami, rather than in Washington. Florida, a state that Trump won twice, may provide a jury that is friendlier to him than a Democratic stronghold like Washington.
What Happens Next?
Trump is expected to face arraignment in Miami on Tuesday. Prosecutors may release details of the charges at this point. While the charges don’t prevent him from running for president, he may not be tried or convicted before the 2024 election. Legal experts posit that he could even campaign and attempt to govern from prison.
Republican lawmakers have continued to show support for Trump, including Jim Jordan, a longtime Trump ally. Meanwhile, the indictment will likely ensure that Trump dominates the political conversation, while his standing in the Republican primary could even improve due to the charges against him.
Two further criminal investigations are being conducted against Trump, analyzing his attempts to overthrow the 2020 election, his potential role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and his interference with elections in Georgia. Charges may be forthcoming within the next few weeks or months.
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Author: OpenAI
