Former President Donald Trump is facing new criminal charges, adding to the 40 charges already brought against him. The indictment includes one count of wilful retention of defense information and two counts of obstruction, all relating to his alleged mishandling of classified files. Despite the mounting legal challenges, Trump denies any wrongdoing and dismisses the prosecutor as “deranged.” These charges come as he continues his presidential campaign for the 2024 election.
Mar-a-Lago Staff Member Also Indicted
Alongside Trump, Carlos de Oliveira, a staff member at Mar-a-Lago, has been indicted. Prosecutors claim that de Oliveira pressured an employee to delete security footage that allegedly showed illegally-held files being moved. The revised indictment also reveals alleged efforts between Trump’s close aide Walt Nauta and de Oliveira to obstruct the justice department’s investigation.
Allegations of Deleted Footage and Unauthorized Sharing of Classified Information
According to court documents, de Oliveira conspired with the director of information technology to delete footage from security cameras after the Department of Justice issued a subpoena for surveillance footage of the basement, where confidential documents were reportedly held. The indictment alleges that de Oliveira pressured the IT employee to comply with his request, claiming “the boss” wanted the server deleted.
Trump’s Interaction with Biographers
The updated indictment also points to Trump knowingly discussing a top-secret document with biographers during their visit to Mar-a-Lago. The document allegedly contained possible plans to attack “Country A,” identified as Iran by news outlets. The former president allegedly showed the document to his guests, saying, “Look what I found… Isn’t it amazing?”
Trump Responds to Charges
In response to the fresh charges, Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign released a statement dismissing them as part of an “illegal witch hunt” by special prosecutor Jack Smith. Trump’s legal troubles extend beyond this case, as he awaits trial for a hush-money case and faces civil charges in a defamation case. Georgia prosecutors are also considering charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn election results.
Growing List of Legal Problems
As Trump faces an increasing number of legal challenges, his popularity within the Republican party appears to be growing. His former aide Stephen Moore believes that these “attacks” are actually solidifying Trump’s nomination in the Republican presidential primaries.
The charges against the former president add complexity to his political landscape as he continues his campaign for the 2024 election.
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