Donald Trump was indicted on 37 criminal counts on Thursday, June 9, 2023. The charges include unauthorized retention of classified documents, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements.
The indictment alleges that Trump willfully retained classified national defence information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after leaving office. The indictment also alleges that Trump conspired to obstruct justice by concealing documents from investigators and making false statements about his actions.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the charges. He has also called the indictment a “witch hunt” and a “political hit job.”
The indictment is the latest development in a long-running investigation into Trump’s handling of classified information. The investigation was launched in 2019 after it was revealed that Trump had taken classified documents with him to Mar-a-Lago.
The indictment is a major blow to Trump and his political ambitions. If convicted, Trump could face up to 20 years in prison.
Key charges against Trump:
- 1 count of unauthorized retention of classified documents
- 2 counts of conspiracy to obstruct justice
- 34 counts of making false statements
Details of the charges:
- The unauthorized retention of classified documents charge alleges that Trump willfully retained classified national defense information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after leaving office.
- The conspiracy to obstruct justice charge alleges that Trump conspired to obstruct justice by concealing documents from investigators and making false statements about his actions.
- The making false statements charge alleges that Trump made false statements to investigators about his actions related to the retention of classified documents.
Possible penalties for Trump if convicted:
- The unauthorized retention of classified documents charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
- The conspiracy to obstruct justice charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
- The making false statements charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Experts on the indictment:
- “This is a very serious indictment,” said Jeffrey Cramer, a former federal prosecutor. “The charges are very specific and detailed, and they paint a picture of a president who was willing to break the law to protect himself.”
- “This is a major development in the investigation into Trump’s handling of classified information,” said Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer. “It’s clear that the Justice Department is taking this investigation very seriously.”
- “This is a very significant day for American democracy,” said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. “The indictment of a former president is unprecedented, but it is necessary to hold accountable those who would abuse their power.”
The indictment is a major development in the investigation into Trump’s handling of classified information. It remains to be seen how Trump will respond to the charges, but the indictment is a major blow to his political ambitions.
