In a stunning revelation, CNN aired a recorded conversation that allegedly features former President Donald Trump discussing “highly confidential” and “secret” documents about Iran during his time in the White House. The recording, which CNN claims to be a central piece of the government’s case against Trump, was played publicly for the first time on Anderson Cooper 360.
According to Anderson Cooper, the recording was made in July 2021 at Trump’s club in Bedminster, New Jersey. In the audio, Trump can be heard speaking to several individuals, including a writer working on Mark Meadows’ memoir, the publisher, and two of Trump’s staff members, as outlined in the special counsel’s indictment. Cooper emphasized that Trump was aware he was being recorded during the conversation.
As the recording played, Trump can be heard referencing General Milley and expressing his desire to show an example of a classified document on US war plans against Iran. The sound of papers shuffling is audible as Trump discusses the Defense Department’s involvement in presenting him with the documents. He acknowledges the confidential and secret nature of the information, yet highlights its significance in bolstering his case. Laughter from the background adds a casual tone to the conversation.
During the exchange, one of Trump’s staffers remarks that Hillary Clinton used to print out similar documents, prompting Trump to humorously interject that she would send them to Anthony Weiner, referencing the scandal involving the former congressman. Trump then asserts that the military provided him with the papers, underscoring their authenticity and secret status. He acknowledges that as president, he had the power to declassify such information but is unable to do so now.
The audio concludes with Trump requesting refreshments, adding a mundane touch to an otherwise extraordinary conversation.
Earlier this month, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts related to the retention of government documents, including charges of wilful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
We have obtained what is expected to be a central piece of the government’s case against Donald Trump, the actual audio recording of the former president talking as if he’s showing a highly classified document on US war plans against Iran with people not cleared to even know it exists, let alone what’s in it …
The recording was made two summers ago, July 2021 at the former president’s club in Bedminster, New Jersey. You will clearly hear the former president, as he is speaking to several people. According to the special council’s indictment, they include a writer working on Mark Meadows’ memoir, the publisher, and two of Trump’s staff members. The president was aware he was being recorded. It is the first time it is being played publicly.
With Milley, let me see that. I’ll show you an example. He said that I wanted to attack Iran. Isn’t it amazing? I have a big pile of papers, this thing just came up. Look.
“This was him. They presented me this. This is off the record, but they presented me this. This was him. This was the Defense Department and him.”
Telling his guests that the documents contained “all sorts of stuff, pages long, look,” Trump said, “This totally wins my case, you know. Except it is, like, highly confidential, secret.”
“This is secret information. But look, look at this,
The audio concluded with Trump saying, “Hey, bring some, uh, bring some Cokes in please.”
