All articles tagged with #classified records
FBI agents searched the Maryland home of former Trump adviser John Bolton over allegations of possessing classified records, amid political tensions and ongoing investigations, with the move authorized by a federal magistrate and not necessarily implying criminal activity.
FBI agents raided the Maryland home of former Trump national security advisor John Bolton as part of a national security investigation into classified records, with officials emphasizing the rule of law and public safety, amid ongoing legal disputes over Bolton's book.
Special Counsel Jack Smith and attorneys for former President Trump have proposed new start dates for the trial related to Trump's alleged improper retention of classified records, with Smith suggesting a July 8 start date and Trump's attorneys proposing August 12. Trump's legal team argued that a fair trial cannot be conducted this year due to his status as the leading GOP candidate for the 2024 presidential election. The proposed trial date would coincide with the Republican National Convention if Trump wins the GOP nomination. This comes amid the Supreme Court's consideration of whether Trump has presidential immunity from prosecution in a separate federal election interference case, with a decision expected in mid-June.
Special counsel Robert Hur is in talks with the House Judiciary Committee to testify publicly about the federal probe into President Biden's handling of classified records, with a potential testimony date set for late February or early March. Hur's recent report concluded that neither Biden nor his aides would face criminal charges over the documents, but highlighted lapses in the president's memory and potential risks to national security. House Republicans have requested transcripts and recordings of Hur's interviews with Biden, and the Justice Department is considering their release.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has informed congressional lawmakers that Special Counsel Robert Hur has submitted his final report after investigating President Biden's alleged improper retention of classified records. The report is currently under White House review, including a privilege review for executive privilege. Garland has committed to making as much of the report public as possible, and the White House anticipates completing the privilege review by the end of the week. Reports suggest that no charges will be filed against the president, and concerns have been raised about potentially embarrassing photos included in the report.
Congress has passed legislation directing the National Archives to collect and disclose government documents related to U.F.O.s and unidentified phenomena within 25 years, unless classified for national security reasons. However, the measure falls short of the more aggressive steps lawmakers had sought for greater transparency. Lawmakers had proposed establishing a presidential commission and ordering the Defense Department to declassify records, but these provisions were dropped during negotiations. The measure grants government agencies the authority to determine whether certain records should remain classified, citing national security threats or invasion of personal privacy. Critics argue that the lack of a review board means that declassification will be left to entities that have historically blocked disclosure.
Special counsel prosecutors are gathering evidence on how former President Donald Trump handled classified records around the Mar-a-Lago resort and those who may have witnessed him with them. The investigation includes daily notes, texts, emails, and photographs, and witnesses are being questioned about what they saw in Trump’s private residential and work areas within the club. The focus remains on the actions of the former president, including his intent to keep classified records after he left the White House and his knowledge that the records remained in his possession after the Justice Department demanded their return last May. Grand jury appearances are transcribed and under-oath, indicating that prosecutors are locking in witness testimony.