CNN has aired an audio recording that sheds new light on a conversation involving former President Donald Trump, where he appears to discuss a secret Pentagon document containing plans to attack Iran. The recording, which is a crucial piece of evidence in special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of Trump for mishandling classified information, also includes references to Hillary Clinton’s emails. This article examines the details of the audio recording and its potential impact on the ongoing legal proceedings.
New Details from the Audio Recording:
The audio recording first aired on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” provides additional insight into the conversation that serves as evidence in the indictment against Trump. In the recording, Trump can be heard mentioning the secret Pentagon document while discussing attack plans for Iran. He states, “These are the papers,” a quote that was not included in the indictment, further implicating his knowledge of classified information.
During the two-minute audio recording, Trump and his aides engage in banter about Hillary Clinton’s emails. After Trump mentions the “secret information,” one of his staffers jokes about Clinton printing out documents, to which Trump responds by bringing up Anthony Weiner, the former Democratic congressman. The exchange elicits laughter in the room.
Contradictions and Potential Implications:
Trump’s statements in the audio recording, particularly his reference to “these are the papers” and the mention of something “highly confidential” that he shows to others, contradict his recent claims in an interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier. In that interview, Trump denied having any documents with him and downplayed their significance. The contradictory statements could undermine his defence and impact the ongoing legal proceedings.
The audio recording is from a July 2021 interview conducted at Trump’s Bedminster resort for the memoir of Mark Meadows, his former chief of staff. The indictment by special counsel Jack Smith alleges that individuals present at the interview, including a writer, publisher, and two of Trump’s staff members, were shown classified information regarding the plan of attack on Iran. This incident is one of two referenced in the indictment, suggesting that Trump shared classified information with individuals lacking security clearances.
Implications for Trump’s Legal Defense:
Trump, who pleaded not guilty to 37 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort, now faces additional scrutiny due to the released audio recording. The revelation of his discussion about a secret document contradicts his previous claims and raises questions about the nature of the information he possessed. It remains to be seen how these new details will impact his defence strategy moving forward.
Trump’s Admission Raises Questions About Classified Information
The recording begins with Trump referring to certain individuals as “bad sick people,” while one of his staffers mentions a supposed “coup” against him. This exchange sets the tone for the subsequent discussion.
As the conversation progresses, Trump mentions General Milley and the accusations of a coup, indicating that the alleged plot existed before his inauguration. The audio captures the sound of papers shuffling as Trump mentions having a “big pile of papers” related to the Iran issue. He emphasizes that the Defense Department and Milley presented him with the documents, attributing their origin to the military.
The indictment includes ellipses during the segment where Trump and his aide discuss Clinton’s emails and Anthony Weiner, whose laptop was linked to a brief reopening of the FBI’s investigation into Clinton’s handling of classified information during the 2016 election. The audio recording and indictment transcript clarify that the conversation returns to the topic of the Iran document, with Trump stating, “These are the papers.”
Trump goes on to explain that the document was given to him by the military and remains classified. He acknowledges that as president, he had the authority to declassify it but can no longer do so. The classified nature of the document becomes a point of concern, with his staffer responding, “Now we have a problem.” Trump expresses his fascination with the situation, remarking, “Isn’t that interesting?”
The audio recording includes several additional lines that were not part of the indictment. Trump expresses his excitement, describing the situation as “cool” and expressing satisfaction that the writer, who was present during the conversation, now believes him. The writer confirms their belief, and Trump emphasizes the incredibility of the situation. The conversation briefly touches on a perception that some individuals are always eager for war, to which Trump requests some Cokes to be brought in, seemingly diverting the conversation.
The released audio recording provides further insight into the dynamics of the discussion surrounding the secret Iran document and the interaction between Trump and his aides. While the implications of the recording within the legal proceedings and its impact on Trump’s defence remain to be seen, it adds new dimensions to the ongoing investigation into the mishandling of classified information.
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As the case continues to unfold, the audio recording will likely be subject to further scrutiny and analysis. Its release has sparked debates and raised questions about the extent of Trump’s knowledge and involvement in classified matters. With the information contained in the recording, investigators and legal experts will delve deeper into the alleged mishandling of classified documents, seeking to establish a clearer picture of events and determine any potential legal ramifications.
