It’s only two minutes that ends with Donald Trump ordering some cokes. But before that, there is time for a lot. CNN has released a recording of the former president speaking shamelessly about classified Iran documents in his possession and clearly admitting that they remain secret, contrary to his claims that he had declassified everything and could do so by thinking about it. The recording is key evidence in the Mar-A-Lago papers case, in which Trump is charged with 37 criminal counts.
Trump’s Deception Unveiled
Although it seems obvious to whoever listens to the recording that Trump has a document with a plan to attack Iran in his possession, he has later maintained in an interview on Fox that he was only waving some papers that had nothing to do with it, “stories newspapers, magazines, and articles.
Trump’s Admission of Withholding Classified Material
The recording appears to indicate that Trump was aware that he withheld classified material after leaving the White House. The former president’s comments suggest that he would like to share the information, but at the same time, he admits that he is aware that after leaving the presidency, he can no longer declassify records. CNN had already reported the existence of this recording in May, but then without broadcasting it.
The Controversial Meeting at Trump’s Golf Club
The recorded meeting was held in July 2021 at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, with two people working on the autobiography of former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, as well as aides to the former president, including specialist Communications Margo Martin. The recording meeting occurred shortly after The New Yorker published a report alleging that, in the final days of the Trump presidency, Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, instructed military commanders to ensure that Trump did not issue illegal orders.
Milley’s Intervention and Trump’s Response
He was also said to have repeatedly argued against attacking Iran and to have worried that Trump might set off an unwarranted large-scale conflict. The article claimed that Milley and other charges convinced Trump not to take such drastic action. Trump tries to respond to the report with the document, which he said came from Milley and would show that the Pentagon had a more aggressive and warmongering attitude towards Iran than he did.
Trump’s Revelations and Clinton’s Emails
“These are the papers,” Trump says in the audio recording, while talking about the Pentagon’s plans to attack Iran, a quote that was not included in the statement of charges against Trump, which already mentions this recording and part of its content is transcribed. In the audio, Trump and his aides also joke about Hillary Clinton’s emails after the former president says the document was “secret information.” “No, she would send it to Anthony Weiner,” a former Democratic congressman, Trump replied, to the laughter of those present, a fragment that is also not included in the statement of charges.
Trump’s Classified Information Dilemma
The recording begins with Trump stating that “these are bad and sick people,” while his aide assures that there had been a “coup” against Trump. “Like when Milley talks about, ‘Oh, they’re going to try to stage a coup.’ No, they were trying to do that even before you were sworn in,” says the aide. Apparently, Trump shows the papers on the attack plan and claims that this proves him right, “except that it is highly classified” and he cannot make it public. “Secret. This is secret information ”, insists the former president.
Court Date on July 14
The judge handling the case of the Mar-A-Lago papers has set a preview for July 14 in Fort Pierce, Florida, in which they will discuss how the classified materials in the case will be handled, a complication when dealing with a jury trial. It’s an appointment for lawyers. The defendants, Donald Trump and his aide Walt Nauta, are not required to appear.
Judge Aileen Cannon, on the other hand, has granted the prosecution’s request to appoint a classified information security officer who would “assist the Court, Court staff, and defense in handling any motions and warrants.” Instead, she has denied the Justice Department’s request to keep a list of 84 witnesses secret. Trump, in any case, is prohibited from speaking with them about the case.
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This content discusses a recording released by CNN in which former President Donald Trump is heard discussing classified Iran documents that he possesses. The recording contradicts Trump’s previous claims that he had declassified everything and could do so at will. The recording is considered crucial evidence in the Mar-A-Lago papers case, in which Trump faces criminal charges. Trump later attempted to downplay the significance of the papers, claiming they were unrelated to Iran. The recording also suggests that Trump was aware he had withheld classified materials after leaving the White House. The meeting where the recording was made took place at Trump’s golf club and involved individuals working on a book about former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The recording occurred shortly after a report alleged that military commanders were instructed to prevent Trump from issuing illegal orders in the final days of his presidency. Trump apparently tried to use the document to challenge the report and demonstrate that the Pentagon had a more aggressive stance on Iran than he did.
2) What does the recording reveal about Trump’s understanding of classified materials and his ability to declassify them, and how might this affect his public image and political standing
The recording reveals that President Trump seemed to have a limited understanding of classified materials and his ability to declassify them. In the conversation, he expresses uncertainty about the process of declassifying certain documents, stating, “I don’t know anything about it.” He also suggests that certain documents should be “quickly classified” despite not being aware of the details.
This lack of understanding and knowledge raises concerns about Trump’s ability to handle classified information appropriately and make informed decisions regarding national security. It may suggest a level of incompetence or disregard for proper protocols, which could undermine public trust in his leadership.
Moreover, the recording indicates that President Trump may have used the declassification power for personal and political purposes, rather than adhering to established guidelines. His statements about wanting to “open up everything” and declassify information related to the Russia investigation, for example, suggest a willingness to use classified materials as a tool to advance his own interests.
This could have negative implications for his public image and political standing. Some may perceive his actions as an abuse of power or a disregard for national security. It could reinforce existing criticisms of his approach to governance and fuel concerns about his handling of sensitive information. Conversely, his supporters may consider his willingness to declassify documents as a demonstration of transparency and a commitment to exposing what he believes is wrongdoing.
Ultimately, the impact on President Trump’s public image and political standing will depend on how the recording and its implications are perceived by the public and political actors.
This article sheds light on a highly concerning situation, where Trump is heard discussing classified Iran documents. Such actions raise serious questions about the transparency and security protocols within the administration. It is crucial that further investigation and accountability take place to ensure the integrity of classified information is upheld.
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This article sheds light on a highly concerning situation, where Trump is heard discussing classified Iran documents. Such actions raise serious questions about the transparency and security protocols within the administration. It is crucial that further investigation and accountability take place to ensure the integrity of classified information is upheld.