Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump responded on Tuesday to the leaked audio obtained by CNN, which is believed to be a crucial element of Special Counsel Jack Smith's indictment against him. Trump dismissed it as incriminating evidence, stating that he had not heard the recordings and questioned what he could have said wrong. He maintained his innocence, emphasizing that he did nothing wrong.
Trump Reacts to Leaked Audio: 'All I Know Is I Did Nothing Wrong' https://t.co/gvQR2flKBx
— RedState (@RedState) June 27, 2023
On Monday, CNN claimed to have acquired an audio recording from a 2021 meeting at Trump's Bedminster, New Jersey golf resort, where the current GOP frontrunner allegedly discussed handling classified documents. In the recording, the former president refers to the papers while discussing Pentagon plans regarding Iran and mentions something else as "highly confidential." He asserts that he could have declassified it as president, but cannot do so now.
2024 Watch-NEW: In @FoxNews interview in New Hampshire, #DonaldTrump argues he "did nothing wrong" as he reacted to a leaked recording of him in the classified documents case https://t.co/PRnvPOkfXO #2024Election #FITN #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/IMkgg4UkRv
— Paul Steinhauser (@steinhauserNH1) June 27, 2023
Some view this tape as conclusive evidence, proving that Trump intentionally and unlawfully retained classified documents and shared sensitive information with others present in the room. However, Trump countered these claims, explaining that the papers on his desk primarily consisted of newspaper articles, magazine copies, various plans, and stories on numerous subjects. He firmly denied any wrongdoing, labeling it a complete hoax.
He drew parallels between this case and the numerous investigations and two impeachments conducted by Democrats during his presidency. Trump likened it to the Russia investigation, the fake dossier, and the Ukraine controversy. He expressed frustration with the prolonged scrutiny he has faced, spanning seven years.
Earlier this month, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. He criticized President Joe Biden, highlighting document-related issues but lacking a special counsel investigation. Trump pointed out that Biden had numerous unidentified boxes in Chinatown, D.C., implying impropriety and alleging connections to China.
Mark Levin, speaking on behalf of Trump, believes the leaks originate from the government, which he claims has been responsible for numerous leaks against Trump. He suggested that Trump's lawyers should file a motion to dismiss the entire case due to prosecutorial misconduct and the government's attempts to influence the jury pool. Levin also called for an investigation into these alleged felonies by the Department of Justice.
Despite Trump's unwavering claims of innocence, questions remain about the source and authenticity of the audio obtained by CNN. The origins of the leak are unknown, and CNN has not disclosed any information. The defense appears prepared for a battle, while the prosecution is engaging in questionable tactics. This case is shaping up to be another politically motivated attack against the former president, orchestrated by desperate Democrats who fear his return to the national stage. Stay tuned for further developments.
