Special Counsel Jack Smith has reportedly obtained new and significant evidence of potential obstruction by former President Donald Trump in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, according to a leak to The Washington Post. The FBI had searched the property last summer looking for presidential records lawfully stored at the former president's home. Smith was able to obtain emails and texts from a former Trump aide showing that Trump may have rummaged through his boxes of classified documents after he was subpoenaed in May 2022.
This latest development comes just days after a Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump on 34 counts related to business fraud, including one felony charge. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is also reportedly considering RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) and conspiracy charges against Trump over his effort to challenge the 2020 election.
The new evidence suggests that Donald Trump may have tried to keep documents after receiving a subpoena from the DOJ requesting their return. This indicates a difference between Trump's investigation and the one into President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents, which were found in his office and home.
In August, an FBI search found and seized more than 100 classified documents in Trump's Palm Beach, Florida, home months after the initial subpoena was issued back in May. Following this discovery, special counsel Jack Smith was appointed by US Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate whether or not Donald Trump mishandled these classified documents with intent to obstruct justice during an ongoing investigation.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing surrounding this matter since it first arose but said that he believes the Justice Department is unfairly targeting him with its investigation into these allegations. He maintains there is no basis for such claims either factually or legally while accusing those involved of corrupting legal processes with leaks aimed at manipulating public opinion.
For now, it remains unclear what the latest evidence obtained by Special Counsel Jack Smith will mean for Trump's legal standing in this case. However, this news is sure to add fuel to the ongoing debate over whether or not former President Donald Trump acted unlawfully during his time in office.