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‘A dark day for the United States’ – Trump indicted in classified documents probe

In a groundbreaking development that threatens his potential return to the White House, former US President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he had been indicted over his management of classified documents post-presidency.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump shared, “The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax,” thus unveiling a monumental incident in US history.

Read More: Trump’s Legal Tangle: From Defamation Verdict To Mounting Criminal Charges  

The Justice Department, however, hasn’t issued a direct confirmation of Trump’s claim.

Indictment comprises seven charges

Jim Trusty, a lawyer representing Trump, informed CNN about the indictment comprising seven charges.

These include the willful withholding of documents against the Espionage Act, making false statements, obstructing justice, and a count of conspiracy.

People with knowledge of the subject informed The New York Times that the conspiracy charge is likely connected to obstruction of justice, but the specifics remain unclear.

Trump called to appear in court on Tuesday

Trump, who has declared his intention to run for presidency once more, indicated he had been called to a federal courthouse in Miami the coming Tuesday, a day before his 77th birthday.

Reflecting on the developments, Trump expressed his disbelief, stating, “I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States.”

News of Trump being the focus of a probe into his handling of classified documents emerged a day before his announcement.

Also Read: Inside Mar-a-Lago: Exclusive Photos and Insights into Donald Trumps Lavish Lifestyle

Indictment is an ‘unprecedented abuse of power’

Credit: DepositPhotos

Responding to the indictment, the Trump campaign criticized it as an “unprecedented abuse of power” and urged for its dismissal. In a video released post-news, Trump steadfastly maintained his innocence and portrayed the indictment as an attempt by the Biden administration to disrupt the election, using the Justice Department as a tool.

Congressional allies, including the House Judiciary Committee chairman, Jim Jordan, quickly rallied around Trump. Even Kevin McCarthy, the House Speaker with a fluctuating relationship with Trump, leaped to his defense.

McCarthy calls indicated ‘a dark day’ for the US

McCarthy stated, “Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America. It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump”.

The Special Counsel, Jack Smith, appointed by US Attorney General Merrick Garland, has been investigating a batch of classified documents held by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida following his departure from the White House.

Approximately 11,000 documents were confiscated last August

The case saw the FBI seizing approximately 11,000 documents after a search warrant was issued in August. Subsequently, in January 2022, Trump handed over 15 boxes of nearly 200 classified documents to the National Archives.

However, he was subpoenaed for any remaining records in his custody.  

Peter Carr, a spokesperson for Smith, declined to comment when asked about the charges.

Despite these mounting legal troubles, Trump continues to deny any misconduct in the document case.

Read Next: Mar-A-Lago Mole Gives Trump Document Scandal A New Twist

Trump denies any wrongdoing

On June 1, at a Fox News town hall event, he stated, “Everything I did was right.” His acknowledgment of taking and storing the documents contradicts his lawyers’ claim that his actions were unintentional amid the disorder of his departure.

Jill Wine-Banks, a former Watergate prosecutor, told MSNBC that the strength of the case against Trump is immense when considering all pieces of evidence collectively.

While the latest indictment further complicates Trump’s efforts to become the Republican nominee in the 2024 Presidential election, other probes are simultaneously underway.

These include investigations into Trump’s potential charges over the 2021 US Capitol riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

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