According to reports from US media, former President Donald Trump has been informed that he is the subject of a criminal investigation regarding the handling of classified files following his departure from Washington. This development suggests that charges against Trump could be imminent.
Federal prosecutors have been examining the transfer of files to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida since last year. In August, a search was conducted on the premises, leading to the seizure of approximately 11,000 documents. Among these, around 100 were identified as classified, with a subset designated as top secret.
In an interview, Trump denied being informed of a potential indictment related to his handling of the documents. However, CNN, ABC News, Politico, and other outlets reported that Trump has received a letter notifying him of the criminal investigation. While the move indicates that charges may be forthcoming, it is also noted that it is possible for a person not to be charged after being the subject of an investigation.
The New York Times cited sources stating that the notification was issued by Jack Smith’s office, a former war crimes attorney now serving as a special prosecutor. Smith is currently evaluating the evidence in the case.
Recently, an audio recording has surfaced, wherein Trump acknowledges retaining a classified document subsequent to his departure from the White House. The specific details of the documents Trump may have possessed remain unclear, but classified material typically contains information that could potentially harm national security if made public.
It is against US law for federal officials, including a president, to remove or retain classified documents at an unauthorized location. Grand juries have reportedly been convened in Miami and Washington to assess the evidence.
In a recent development, Taylor Budowich, a former aide and spokesman to Trump, provided evidence to a grand jury in Miami. This has raised the possibility that any potential criminal charges may be filed in Florida for procedural reasons.
Trump’s legal team also met with investigators at the Department of Justice earlier this week. Trump, who currently leads in opinion polls as the Republican Party’s potential candidate for the 2024 presidency, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has criticized the investigation by the justice department, characterizing it as politically motivated and a “witch-hunt.”
If indicted for his handling of classified documents, it would mark the second time Trump faces criminal charges, following his previous not guilty plea to 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to a porn star. A trial for that case is scheduled for next year in New York.
