Trump, guilty | The Journal of Montreal

If you read the FBI agent’s affidavit against Donald Trump, it seems that the situation is more serious than what has been leaked to the media so far. Although its text has been significantly revised.

At first, the FBI agent informed the judge that his investigation had uncovered various criminal elements, but that he would focus on a single category: those related to the illegal keeping of secret, classified, or top secrets. Next, the document quotes excerpts from laws affecting national defense.

Finally, the affidavit mentions espionage laws for foreign powers. These are all pointers to what FBI agents are looking for. The statement also explains that the search request was based on fears that many documents would disappear.

Finally, the FBI agent explained, Trump refused to cooperate and hand over the documents for several months, under the pretense that he could somehow declassify all the documents he wanted.

1) Can Trump Declassify Top Secret Documents?

These types of documents could be asked to be declassified while Trump is president. But he is no more. This protection does not last.

2) Why was the statement revised?

Several reasons explain the censorship of advertising. Before a judge ordered the release, the Justice Department objected to its release to protect FBI informants and prevent the destruction of evidence in related investigations.

3) Why does Trump insist on keeping these documents top secret?

Amid the exit hubbub, Trump could have taken the incriminating documents with him. (The lack of a plan for his departure, moreover, supports the thesis of an attempted coup.) The pretext, however, comes from a reading of the Declaration. For months, Trump has voluntarily withheld highly classified documents. Worse, their access is poorly secured. All hypotheses are open as to his deeper motivations, from narcissism to espionage in an attempt to monetize these documents against various interests.

4) What is Trump looking for?

Trump wants the US justice system to be seen as a partisan actor. It is not so. A search of a US citizen is an extraordinary act that is only authorized under certain circumstances. Searching the home of a former US president is historic. So this descent is prepared with utmost care. Trump, in particular, has the financial means to hire the best lawyers for his defense.

5) Why was the ad leaked?

The game is not only played on the court. Like all major trials it is public. At the end of a possible verdict, Americans must feel that justice has been done, or else the judiciary will falter. Generally, this concept arises from the nature of the crime, the reputation of the accused and the arguments made in court. But Trump is not interested in discussing the facts. Instead, he is trying to convince the public that the American justice system is in the pay of Joe Biden’s administration. This is a distraction for anyone familiar with the principle of separation of powers in the United States. It is also an implicit admission that he cannot fight on the merits because he is guilty.