Trump Audio Proves He Stashes Classified Documents: CNN

Federal prosecutors have obtained an audio recording of a summer 2021 meeting in which former President Donald Trump acknowledges he held onto a classified Pentagon document about a potential attack on Iran, sources told CNN, destroying his argument that he declassified everything, Katelyn Polantz, Paula Reid and Kaitlan Collins reported exclusively for CNN.

Photo Insert: On the recording, Trump’s comments suggest he would like to share the information but he’s aware of limitations on his ability post-presidency to declassify records.

The recording indicates Trump understood he retained classified material after leaving the White House. On the recording, Trump’s comments suggest he would like to share the information but he’s aware of limitations on his ability post-presidency to declassify records.

One source said the relevant portion on the Iran document is about two minutes long but another source said the discussion is a small part of a longer meeting.

Special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the Justice Department quiz into Trump, has focused on the meeting as part of the criminal investigation into Trump’s handling of national security secrets.

Sources describe the recording as an “important” piece of evidence in a possible case against Trump, who has asserted he could retain presidential records and “automatically” declassify documents, Kristen Holmes and Sara Murray also reported for CNN.

Prosecutors have asked witnesses about the recording and the document before a federal grand jury. This led to Gen. Mark Milley, one of the highest-ranking Trump-era national security officials, being questioned.

The July 2021 meeting was held at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, with two people working on the autobiography of Trump’s former chief of staff Mark Meadows as well as aides employed by the former president, including communications specialist Margo Martin.

The attendees did not have security clearances that would allow them access to classified information. The autobiography includes an account of what seems to be the same meeting, during which Trump “recalls a four-page report written by Milley.

It contained the general’s own plan to attack Iran, deploying massive numbers of troops, something he urged President Trump to do more than once during his presidency.” Milley belied Trump’s claim vigorously.

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