Ariana Baio and Sravasti Dasgupta
Sat, 20 May 2023 at 2:23 pm BST
The National Archives found a trove of records proving that Donald Trump and his advisors knew they were breaking rules by taking classified documents to Mar-a-Lago, according to a report.
The agency sent a letter, obtained by CNN, to Mr Trump this week revealing it had found 16 records showing he and his top advisers were aware of the correct declassification process when he was president.
“The 16 records in question all reflect communications involving close presidential advisers, some of them directed to you personally, concerning whether, why, and how you should declassify certain classified records,” wrote archivist Debra Steidel Wall.
These records will be turned over to Special Counsel Jack Smith as part of the criminal investigation into Mr Trump’s handling of classified documents.
The revelation comes as Mr Trump continues to lash out at Ron DeSantis, as the Florida governor prepares to launch his 2024 campaign next week.
“After campaigning for five months, and going nowhere but down, it looks like Ron DeSanctimonious will soon be entering the race. He has ZERO chance, and MAGA will never forget!” Mr Trump fumed on Truth Social on Thursday night.
Key points
- ‘Ron’s magic is GONE!’: Trump floods Truth Social with negative DeSantis posts
- Trump lawyer exits legal team as Mar-a-Lago classified documents probe heats up
- Trump takes ‘credit’ for overturning of Roe v Wade and questions DeSantis’s six-week ban
- Florida governor expected to enter US presidential race next week
- Trump lashes out at DC ‘cockroaches’ following release of Durham report
Who is running for president in 2024?
14:00 , Ariana Baio
Who is running for president in 2024?
Trump releases ad reminding DeSantis of former allyship
13:00 , Ariana Baio
Donald Trump posted a political advertisement video to his Truth Social account on Friday – reminding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of their former camaraderie while Mr DeSantis was campaigning for governor.
Mr DeSantis was elected the governor of the state of Florida in 2018, partially thanks to an endorsement from the former president.
The ad reminds Mr DeSantis of his polling before Mr Trump endorsed him as well as shows old photos of the two Republican politicians smiling together.
“Instead of being grateful DeSantis is now attacking the very man who saved his career,” the voiceover in the political ad says.
Mr DeSantis is expected to announce his run for president next week, putting himself in direct competition with Mr Trump.
The ad finishes by playing footage from one of Mr DeSantis’ old political ads where he uses Trump-isms like “build the wall” and “you’re fired” to show his support.
Damning new evidence spells trouble for Trump in Mar-a-Lago classified documents probe
12:00 , Ariana Baio
Donald Trump’s legal troubles could be hotting up after the National Archives found a trove of records proving the former president knew he shouldn’t have taken classified documents to Mar-a-Lago, according to a report.
The National Archives sent a letter, obtained by CNN, to Mr Trump this week revealing that it had found 16 presidential records showing he and his top advisers were aware of the correct declassification process when he was in the White House.
Rachel Sharp reports:
Damning evidence spells trouble for Trump in Mar-a-Lago classified documents probe
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