Three ways the indictment of Donald Trump hurts America
The HillJun 10, 2023
FBI Filing Claims Trump was Warned to Return Classified Documents
The Facts
According to FBI filings unsealed on Monday, unnamed National Archives officials urged ex-Pres. Donald Trump, in November 2021, to return classified documents held at Mar-a-Lago, but his response was reportedly "weird."
An unnamed Trump associate also hinted that one of the former president's children was asked to convince him to return presidential records.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump's indictment for mishandling classified documents highlights double standards in justice. Disparities may be drawn between his treatment and those of politicians like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Pres. Joe Biden. Its timing hints at potential election interference, especially given Biden's declining popularity and Trump's competitive standing. The situation underscores political divisions and questions Biden's commitment to uniting the nation.
Democratic narrative
Donald Trump is the first former US president ever charged under the Espionage Act. His actions, if proven, could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Critics argue against politicizing the indictment, emphasizing the importance of impartial justice and adherence to the rule of law. Keeping that in mind, Trump's bulldozing over key democratic guardrails with unprecedented erratic behavior must remain the focus of the process of justice.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that the federal criminal trial of Donald J. Trump (in the classified documents case) will begin by December 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.