Obtaining Classified Documents at Mar-a-Lago: Justice Department Denies Trump’s Request!

The Justice Department has denied former President Donald Trump‘s request to view and discuss classified documents at Mar-a-Lago residence, where he is charged with willfully retaining the documents in question.

Obtaining Classified Documents at Mar-a-Lago: Justice Department Denies Trump’s Request! (PHOTO: CNN)

Donald Trump’s Classified Documents at Mar-a-Lago

In response to additional charges filed against Trump regarding his handling of classified information, federal prosecutors have filed a motion for a protective order, urging that discussions about classified documents take place only in a secure facility known as a SCIF, CBS News reported.

Trump’s lawyers objected to the provision requiring discussions in a SCIF, requesting instead that they be allowed to discuss classified information with their client at his Mar-a-Lago office or possibly at Bedminster. The government argues that Trump’s residences and offices are not suitable locations for the discussion of classified information, and such an exception would not be consistent with the law.

The filing emphasizes that neither Mar-a-Lago nor Bedminster has been authorized for the storage or discussion of classified information since Trump’s presidency ended. Granting Trump the authority to discuss such information in his residence is seen as an extraordinary request, especially given the charges he faces related to the willful retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

The government also addresses Trump’s co-defendant, Walt Nauta, stating that he does not need to view classified information as he is not charged with unlawfully retaining documents at Mar-a-Lago related to national defense. Trump’s counsel may need to discuss classified documents at Mar-a-Lago with him for their defense strategy, but Nauta’s situation differs.

READ ALSO: Mar-A-Lago Documents Case: Additional Charges Filed Against Trump, Trial Date Set

Classified Documents at Mar-a-Lago

The new indictment names a third co-defendant, Mar-a-Lago worker Carlos De Oliveira, who allegedly helped move boxes for Trump and was involved in instructing an employee to delete security camera footage subject to a grand jury subpoena.

Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the initial charges in the case of documents at Mar-a-Lago. Trump’s campaign spokesperson claims that the new counts are part of an effort to damage his reputation as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination, alleging that it is a desperate attempt by the Biden administration to harass him and his associates.

READ ALSO: Trump Requested Federal Criminal Case Delay: Justice Department Appeals On Federal Judge!