(GoRealNewsNow.com) – According to several reports, Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the classified documents located at Mar-a-Lago is progressing on several fronts, potentially strengthening a criminal case against former President Donald Trump.
The probe has revealed some new details this week, suggesting potential criminal charges against the former president are imminent.
First, a CNN report has revealed a recording exists of Trump discussing a classified document he had but could not share, countering his previous claims that he declassified all records he had.
Second, the Washington Post reported that the special counsel is also digging deeper into the removal of boxes at Mar-a-Lago by two Trump employees. At the same time, Trump’s lawyer, Evan Corcoran, was told to avoid searching certain parts of Trump’s Florida home following a subpoena, according to The Guardian.
These reports hint that the special counsel is building a case around Espionage Act charges and obstruction of justice. They are trying to prove that Trump retained classified records and obstructed efforts to recover them.
Experts, including lawyers and former prosecutors, concluded from public reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) could potentially charge Trump directly. They argue that charging Trump would be fair, given that others have been charged with similar crimes.
The recordings, which media outlets have not directly seen but have been described by sources, depict Trump in the summer of 2021 discussing a classified document about a possible attack on Iran. The tape’s significance is twofold: it challenges Trump’s claim that he declassified all records and proves that Trump was aware of the rules about classifying documents.
The DOJ is also gathering evidence that could lead to an obstruction of justice charge. They have questioned a second Trump aide who helped Trump’s valet move boxes at Mar-a-Lago, including the day before DOJ officials collected classified material following a subpoena. The DOJ is looking into gaps in video footage at Mar-a-Lago and has interviewed two Trump Organization security officials about it.
Moreover, Trump’s lawyer, Evan Corcoran, provided detailed notes to the DOJ after removing himself from the case when it was ruled that Trump may have misled him. Corcoran was instructed not to search Trump’s office, where numerous classified records were found.
Prosecutors will aim to piece together these events to present a clear picture of Trump’s intentions. As former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade suggests, the evidence could eventually become so overwhelming that it points to criminal intent rather than innocent mistakes.
