Exclusive Leak Donald Trump’s Audio Tape Reveals Insights into Classified Documents
Leaked Audio Reveals Donald Trump Holding Classified Documents After Leaving Office
In a recently surfaced tape, former US president Donald Trump can be heard admitting to possessing secret documents that were not declassified following his departure from the White House. The two-minute audio clip, first aired by CNN and subsequently obtained by ABC and CBS, originates from an interview Trump gave at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club in July 2021. The interview was conducted for a memoir being worked on by his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows.
Portions of the recording’s transcript were referenced as evidence in special counsel Jack Smith’s 49-page indictment, which charges Trump with mishandling classified documents post-presidency. The audio file includes a moment where Trump suggests he possesses a classified Pentagon document outlining plans for an attack on Iran. Although this specific quote was not included in the indictment, Trump can be heard referring to the material as “highly confidential” and “secret information” while showing it to others in the room.
Trump acknowledges that the document would need to be declassified to be used in the book, mentioning his previous authority as president to do so. However, he notes that he no longer possesses the power to declassify it, leading to a discussion among the individuals present.
Following the release of the recording, Trump responded on his Truth Social website, denouncing Smith as “deranged” and baselessly accusing the prosecutor of colluding with the Justice Department and FBI to illegally leak and misrepresent the tape. Trump claims that the audio, contrary to the narrative presented, serves as an exoneration.
Trump, who is aiming to reclaim the presidency in the upcoming elections, recently pleaded not guilty to 37 charges related to willfully mishandling US government secrets and conspiring to impede their return. The government alleges that the 77-year-old former president unlawfully retained classified documents at his Florida residence and conspired to obstruct investigators seeking their retrieval. Additionally, Trump is accused of sharing sensitive US information with individuals lacking security clearance.
While his criminal trial is provisionally set to commence on August 14, Smith has filed a request to postpone the date until December.
