Documents released by a federal court on Friday reveal that former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing 37 criminal charges, including allegations of improperly retaining classified documents and conspiracy to obstruct justice after leaving the White House in 2021. The Department of Justice announced the indictment on a day that saw the resignation of two of Trump's attorneys in the case, coinciding with charges being brought against a former aide.
The charges stem from Trump's handling of sensitive government materials he took with him upon leaving the White House in January 2021. Trump is scheduled to appear in court for the first time regarding this matter in Miami on Tuesday, just a day before his 77th birthday.
The indictment indicates that the classified documents found in Trump’s possession include information about the U.S. and other countries' defense capabilities and weaponry. It also states that they contain details about U.S. nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities for the U.S. and its allies that could expose them to military attacks, and plans for responding to a foreign attack.
Additionally, two attorneys representing former President Trump resigned in the months leading up to the federal charges regarding his handling of the classified documents. The attorneys, Jim Trusty and John Rowley, did not elaborate on the reasons for their resignations, according to "CNBC." Trump announced that he will now be represented by Todd Blanche, who is also representing him in another criminal case in Manhattan related to a payment made in 2016 to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
