CNN has released an audio recording featuring former US President Donald Trump discussing his possession of classified military documents related to a potential military action against Iran. The recording, obtained from a July 2021 interview conducted at Trump’s Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, took place with individuals involved in the memoir of his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows. CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 aired the two-minute recording.
In their 37-count indictment of Trump, federal prosecutors referenced the recording, accusing him of sharing classified information with individuals lacking security clearance. Although the document was made public for the first time, the special counsel indictment alleges that Trump showed the classified documents to a writer, publisher, and two of his staff members.
Revelations in the recording
Contents of the recording reveal sounds of papers shuffling as Trump discusses the classified documents, which he refers to as “highly confidential.” He acknowledges his inability to declassify the records since he is no longer the president, contradicting his previous claim during an interview with Fox News‘s Bret Baier that he does not possess classified documents.
Trump can be heard stating, “These are the papers,” followed by discussions about a “secret” plan to attack Iran, formulated by General Mark A. Miley, the United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Notably, this quote was not included in the indictment. Trump used these documents to support his belief that Miley attempted to prevent him from attacking Iran in the final weeks of his presidency after his defeat in the 2020 re-election bid.
During the recording, Trump and his aides can be heard joking about Hillary Clinton and referencing her controversial private email server, as well as former Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner.
Trump responds to the leaked audio
In response to CNN’s release of the audio, Trump addressed the allegations on his Truth Social account, a social media platform created by Trump Media and Technology Group. Trump claimed that the “Deranged Special Prosecutor,” Jack Smith, collaborated with the DOJ and FBI to unlawfully release and manipulate the tape and transcript. He asserted that the materials actually served as evidence of his exoneration, contrary to the misleading narrative presented by those involved. Trump added, “This continuing Witch Hunt is another ELECTION INTERFERENCE Scam. They are cheaters and thugs!”
Trump documents trial
Image Source: CNN
Donald Trump was arrested and arraigned at a federal courthouse in Miami on June 13, where he pleaded not guilty to 37 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents, obstruction of justice, and providing false statements in federal investigations.
Judge Aileen Cannon has scheduled the first hearing of Trump and the special counsel’s office in the Mar-a-Lago documents case on July 14 in Port Pierce, Florida. The hearing will address pretrial issues concerning classification and will be conducted under the Classified Information Procedures Act.
