Federal prosecutors have obtained audio of former President Donald Trump speaking about holding onto a classified Pentagon document about a potential attack on Iran, despite claiming he declassified everything.
CNN reported Wednesday that the former president knew and understood he retained classified material after leaving the White House, according to those who heard the audio. On the recording, Trump’s comments suggest he would like to share the information but he’s aware there are limitations to declassify records.
Special counsel Jack Smith has focused on the recording as part of the criminal investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. The audio is so serious that federal prosecutors have questioned Gen. Mark Milley, one of the highest-ranking national security officials of the Trump era.
The meeting was held at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey in the summer of 2021 with two people working on an autobiography of Trump’s former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Sources say those in attendance did not have security clearances that would allow them access to classified information.
The news is the latest twist in a set of investigations against the former president, who is seeking a third bid for the White House. A Trump campaign spokesman said “leaks” are meant to “inflame tensions” around Trump and damage his poll numbers.
“The DOJ’s continued interference in the presidential election is shameful and this meritless investigation should cease wasting the American taxpayer’s money on Democrat political objectives,” the spokesman said.
Just last week, Trump’s attorneys requested a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland, amid fears of a looming indictment.
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing associated with classified materials and said on a CNN Town Hall earlier this month he had every right to take them.
“I had every right to do it, I didn’t make a secret of it. You know, the boxes were stationed outside the White House, people were taking pictures of it,” Trump told moderator Kaitlan Collins.
When Collins asked if the former president showed the documents to anyone, Trump gave a vague answer.
“Not really,” he answered. “I have the right to do whatever I want with them.”
