Washington - Former US President Donald J. Trump has been charged with seven counts, including conspiracy to obstruct, willful retention of documents, and false statements, according to individuals familiar with the indictment. It was announced by the Justice Department on Thursday that criminal charges had been filed against Mr. Trump, accusing him of mishandling classified documents he kept after leaving office and impeding the government's efforts to recover them.
The indictment, which was issued by a grand jury in Federal District Court in Miami, marks the first time a former president has faced federal charges. This situation puts the nation in an extraordinary position, as Mr. Trump not only held the position of commander-in-chief but also currently leads the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, making the Biden administration seek to convict a potential rival of multiple felonies.
Mr. Trump has confirmed his indictment on his social media platform and stated that he plans to surrender to the authorities on Tuesday. The charges against him include willful retention of national defense secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, making false statements, and conspiracy to obstruct justice, as reported by two sources familiar with the matter.
While the Justice Department has not made the indictment public or provided any comment, the document sheds light on Mr. Trump's alleged actions of retaining sensitive government records that he took with him from the White House. These documents were stored primarily at his private club and residence in Florida, Mar-a-Lago, and were the subject of efforts by the National Archives and Records Administration and the Justice Department to retrieve them.
The indictment raises questions about the nature of the documents found in Mr. Trump's possession and the potential national security implications of their retention. Although some documents, such as letters from the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, have been identified, the full extent of the classified materials remains unknown.
It is worth noting that Mr. Trump faces other ongoing criminal investigations, including inquiries into his attempts to retain power after the 2020 election and the events leading up to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Additionally, he is being investigated by a prosecutor in Georgia for his endeavors to overturn the election results in that state.
The indictment signifies a significant development in the legal and political landscape, bringing former President Trump into the realm of federal charges and initiating legal proceedings that will shape the future political landscape in the United States.