DeSantis news – latest: Florida governor most popular with rich Republicans as he defends move to fly migrants to California

Florida governor Ron DeSantis appears to be the preferred Republican candidate among right-leaning millionaires, according to the latest CNBC Millionaire Survey, although his arch-rival and front-runner Donald Trump is seemingly also picking up support among wealthy Americans.

The poll shows that 32 per cent of Republicans with qualifying millionaire status currently support Mr DeSantis, a drop from 54 per cent at the end of 2022, while Mr Trump now has the backing of 28 per cent, up from 17 per cent last year.

Meanwhile, the governor has met with sheriffs in Arizona and defended his state’s recent decision to fly migrants from the US-Mexico border to Sacramento, California, a move widely derided as a cruel political stunt but which he insisted was above board because the west coast state had essentially invited them with its liberal immigration policies.

“I think the border should be closed. I don’t think we should have any of this,” Mr DeSantis said. “But if there’s a policy to have an open border, then I think the sanctuary jurisdictions should be the ones that have to bear that.”

Key Points

• Inside the bitter rivalry between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom

• Millionaires support Ron DeSantis but Trump support growing, says poll

• California investigating whether DeSantis involved in flying asylum-seekers from Texas to Sacramento

• Showtime documentary on DeSantis’s Guantanamo Bay career mysteriously dropped

• DeSantis wraps up first early states tour with attack on Biden

Read the 37-count federal indictment in full

21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The federal indictment against former president Donald Trump has now been unsealed - revealing a stunning laundry list of 37 counts.

The 49-page, 37-count indictment was unsealed on Friday after Mr Trump released a series of social media posts revealing that he has been indicted by a grand jury under the supervision of Special Counsel Jack Smith.

The indictment details the charges against Mr Trump and Walt Nauta, a former US Navy noncommissioned officer who left government service to work for Mr Trump after his term ended in January 2021.

Those charges include willful retention of national defence secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, conspiracy to obstruct justice, corruptly concealing documents, concealing documents in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal, and making false statements.

Mr Trump will surrender, face arrest, and be formally charged at an arraignment in US District Court in Miami next week. A potential sentence, if convicted, could include decades in prison.

Read the indictment in full:

Read Donald Trump’s 37-count federal indictment in full

Stephen Miller makes Trump indictment about himself

20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Stephen Miller whined that the indictment of his former boss Donald Trump was a “sad day” for him personally.

The former Trump White House official went on Fox News shortly after news of the indictment broke on Thursday night to claim the indictment would be looked back on as the moment that the United States “ceased to be a democratic republic”.

Bevan Hurley reports.

Stephen Miller makes Trump indictment about himself: ‘Sad day for me personally’

Key allegations in Trump’s unsealed indictment

20:35 , Oliver O'Connell

The federal indictment against Donald Trump outlines 37 counts related to retaining classified information, willfully retaining national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and more.

The indictment was unsealed on Friday (9 June) afternoon, revealing the Department of Justice’s findings after a nearly year-long investigation into Mr Trump retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Last August, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized boxes of documents from Mr Trump’s home, some of which included top-secret records detailing a foreign nation’s nuclear capabilities.

Here are key points from the indictment:

Key allegations in Trump’s unsealed indictment

‘It is an extremely damning indictment'

20:33 , Oliver O'Connell

Legal scholar Jonathan Turley interviewed on Fox News gave his assessment of the indictment, calling it “extremely damning”.

Watch:

Trump lashes out at ‘deranged lunatic’ and ‘psycho’ Jack Smith

20:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has lashed out at special counsel Jack Smith, branding the federal prosecutor who has indicted him over mishandling of secret national security papers a “deranged lunatic” and “psycho” on social media.

The former president attacked Mr Smith on his Truth Social platform after the Department of Justice’s 49-page 37-count indictment against him was made public on Friday.

Graeme Massie reports.

Trump lashes out at ‘deranged lunatic’ and ‘psycho’ Jack Smith

Voices: Donald – you played yourself

20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahmed Baba writes:

You can’t make this up. If you pitched this script in a writer’s room for a show about a comically corrupt president, you’d be laughed out of the room. They’d tell you this is too on the nose. Not even Veep or Succession could pull writing like this off. It’s an absolutely unreal level of reckless hubris that could only come from a guy like Trump who avoided accountability his entire life. Well, not anymore.

Read more...

Trump was caught on tape. Congratulations, Donald – you played yourself | Opinion

20:09 , Oliver O'Connell

Special Counsel Jack Smith:

“This indictment was voted by a grand jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida and I invite everyone to read it in full to understand the scope and the gravity of the crimes charged.”

“Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice and our nation’s commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world.”

“We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone.”

“The defendants in this case must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Smith says he will “seek a speedy trial”.

Watch LIVE: Special counsel statement on Trump indictment

20:06 , Oliver O'Connell

Trump kept classified documents from seven agencies including CIA, DoD, and NSA

20:01 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump kept classified documents from seven agencies after leaving the White House, the 49-page and 37-count unsealed indictment against the former president has revealed.

Gustaf Kilander has the details.

Trump kept classified documents from seven agencies including CIA, DoD, and NSA

The federal charges against Donald Trump

19:54 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump faces 37 counts in a federal indictment stemming from the US Department of Justice investigation into his possession of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago property.

Federal prosecutors will charge the former president with the willful retention of national defense secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, conspiracy to obstruct justice, corruptly concealing documents, conealing documents in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal, and making false statements.

Alex Woodward has the details.

Trump’s shopping list of allegations: The charges he faces

Trump reacts to unsealed indictment by attacking special counsel

19:50 , Oliver O'Connell

The former president posted on Truth Social:

This is the man who caused the Lois Lerner catastrophe with the IRS. He went after Evangelicals and Great Americans of Faith. The United States had to apologize, and pay major damages for what this deranged lunatic did. He had a unanimous loss in the Supreme Court. His wife is a Trump Hater, just as he is a Trump Hater—a deranged “psycho” that shouldn’t be involved in any case having to do with “Justice,” other than to look at Biden as a criminal, which he is!

In pictures: How the boxes were stored at Mar-a-Lago

19:41 , Oliver O'Connell

Trump praised attorney for deleting Hillary Clinton’s 30,000 emails

19:39 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump praised an attorney who claimed they had deleted 30,000 of Hillary Clinton’s emails, according to a newly unsealed indictment from special counsel Jack Smith.

The indictment, released a day after Mr Trump was indicted, revealed that he has been charged with 37 counts including conspiracy to obstruct justice and scheme to conceal that laid bare for the first time the vast scope of the classified document investigation.

The indictment details a conversation Mr Trump held with two lawyers, listed as Trump Attorney 1 and Trump Attorney 2 on 23 May 2022.

Bevan Hurley reports.

Trump praised attorney for deleting Hillary Clinton’s 30,000 emails, indictment shows

Trump described Pentagon ‘plan of attack’ and shared classified military map with PAC member

19:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump described a “plan of attack” devised by the Pentagon and shared a classified military map with a member of his political action committee who didn’t have a security clearance, the 37-count indictment against the former president shows.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Trump described Pentagon ‘plan of attack’ and shared classified military map

How were the boxes stored at Mar-a-Lago?

19:23 , Oliver O'Connell

Photos in the indictment show boxes stored on a stage and in a bathroom...

Watch: Why the indictment is so devastating

19:19 , Oliver O'Connell

What was found at Mar-a-Lago?

19:18 , Oliver O'Connell

According to the unsealed indictment of Trump, FBI agents collected a total of 102 classified documents in the 8 August 2022, search of Mar-a-Lago:

• 27 were in Trump’s office

• 75 were in a storage room

• 17 top secret documents were among the classified materials collected

19:14 , Oliver O'Connell

8. As a result of TRUMP's retention of classified documents after his presidency and refusal to return them, hundreds of classified documents were not recovered by the United States government until 2022, as follows:

a) On January 17, nearly one year after TRUMP left office, and after months of demands by the National Archives and Records Administration for TRUMP to provide all missing presidential records, TRUMP provided only 15 boxes, which contained 197 documents with classification markings.

b) On June 3, in response to a grand jury subpoena demanding the production of all documents with classification markings, TRUMP's attorney provided to the FBI 38 more documents with classification markings.

c) On August 8, pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, the FBI recovered from TRUMP's office and a storage room at The Mar-a-Lago Club 102 more documents with classification markings.

19:12 , Oliver O'Connell

7. On March 30, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI’) opened a criminal investigation into the unlawful retention of classified documents at The Mar-a-Lago Club. A federal grand jury investigation began the next month. The grand jury issued a subpoena requiring TRUMP to turn over all documents with classification markings. TRUMP endeavored to obstruct the FBI and grand jury investigations and conceal his continued retention of classified documents by, among other things:

a) suggesting that his attorne|- falsely represent to the FBI and grand jury that TRUMP did not have documents called for by the grand jury subpoena;

b) directing defendant WALTINE NAUTA to move boxes of documents to conceal them from TRUMP’s attorney, the FBI, and the grand jury;

c) suggesting that his attorney hide or destroy documents called for by the grand jury subpoena;

d) providing to the FBI and grand jury just some of the documents called for by the grand jury subpoena, while claiming that he was cooperating fully; and

e) causing a certification to be submitted to the FBI and grand jury falsely representing that all documents called for by the grand jury subpoena had been produced while knowing that, in fact, not all such documents had been produced.

19:11 , Oliver O'Connell

4. At 12:00 p.m. on January 20, 2021, TRUMP ceased to be president. As he departed the White House, TRUMP caused scores of boxes, many of which contained classified documents, to be transported to The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he maintained his residence. TRUMP was not authorized to possess or retain those classified documents.

5. The Mar-a-Lago Club was an active social club, which, between January 2021 and August 2022, hosted events for tens of thousands of members and guests. After TRUMP’s presidency, The Mar-a-Lago Club was not an authorized location for the storage, possession, review, display, or discussion of classified documents. Nevertheless, TRUMP stored his boxes containing classified documents in various locations at The Mar-a-Lago Club including in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom, and a storage room.

6. On two occasions in 2021, TRUMP showed classified documents to others, as follows:

a) In July 2021, at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey (*The Bedminster Club"), during an audio-recorded meeting with a writer, a publisher, and two members of his staff, none of whom possessed a security clearance, TRUMP showed and described a "plan of attack" that TRUMP said was prepared for him by the Department of Defense and a senior military official. TRUMP told the individuals that the plan was "highly confidential" and "secret." TRUMP also said, "as president I could have declassified it," and, "Now I can’t, you know, but this is still a secret."

b) In August or September 2021, at The Bedminster Club, TRUMP showed a representative of his political action committee who did not possess a security clearance a classified map related to a military operation and told the representative that he should not be showing it to the representative and that the representative should not get too close.

Indictment introduction

19:09 , Oliver O'Connell

1. Defendant DONALD J. TRUMP was the forty-fifth President of the United States of America. He held office from January 20, 2017, until January 20, 2021. As president, TRUMP had lawful access to the most sensitive classified documents and national defense information gathered and owned by the United States government, including information from the agencies that comprise the United States Intelligence Community and the United States Department of Defense.

2. Over the course of his presidency, TRUMP gathered newspapers, press clippings, letters, notes, cards, photographs, official documents, and other materials in cardboard boxes that he kept in the White House. Among the materials TRUMP stored in his boxes were hundreds of classified documents.

3. The classified documents TRUMP stored in his boxes included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack.

The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods.

19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Trump facing 37 counts

18:57 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is facing 37 felony counts across:

• willful retention of national defense information

• conspiracy to obstruct justice

• withholding a document or record

• corruptly concealing a document or record

• concealing a document in a federal investigation

• scheme to conceal

• false statement and representations

Justice Department unseals indictment

18:46 , Oliver O'Connell

The indictment against Donald Trump and Walt Nauta has been unsealed.

Trump indictment unsealed

Hillary Clinton trolls Trump

18:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Hillary Clinton mocked Donald Trump on Twitter after the former president was indicted on seven counts in connection to the federal investigation into his handling of classified information.

Read what she said:

Hillary Clinton trolls Trump over federal indictment

Watch: OJ (yes, OJ) offers some free legal advice to Trump

18:30 , Oliver O'Connell

No comment from Biden

18:18 , Oliver O'Connell

Asked about the indictment on a visit to North Carolina, President Joe Biden said: “I have no comment at all.”

White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton said aboard Air Force One: “The president, senior staff found out just like everybody else last night. No advance knowledge that this was coming, found out from news reports, just like everybody else across America.”

How a tape of Trump’s remarks could land him in prison

18:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted a legally dubious claim that he declassified sensitive documents at his Mar-a-Lago property before he left the White House after losing the 2020 presidential election.

But he admitted, on a tape, six months after leaving office, that a document in his possession was “classified”, “highly confidential” and “secret information”. He admitted, on tape, that he could declassify such documents as president, but now that he is out of office, “I can’t.”

Read more from Alex Woodward:

Trump’s recording in ‘highly confidential’ documents case could land him in prison

Where is Donald Trump?

18:06 , Oliver O'Connell

Where do you think?

According to Trump expert Maggie Haberman, he is golfing at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey with Republican Rep Carlos Giménez.

Mr Giménez is a Cuban-born American retired firefighter serving as the congressman for Florida's 28th congressional district which includes the southwestern suburbs of Miami and the Florida Keys. He served as mayor of Miami-Dade County from 2011 to 2020.

Watch: Now former Trump lawyer speaking on CNN last night

18:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Pence calls for immediate unsealing of indictment

17:53 , Oliver O'Connell

Speaking on the Hugh Hewitt radio show earlier today, former vice president Mike Pence called for the immediate unsealing of the indictment against former president Donald Trump.

Here’s what he said:

I think the Justice Department should immediately move to unseal the indictment. I think the sooner we bring the facts forward to the American people, the better. The American people have a right to know of the basis for both the facts and the law underpinning the unprecedented indictment of a former president of the United States under federal law. So I would call for that, and am doing so now on your broadcast. I truly do believe while I believe there's a hearing on Tuesday, and this information comes out then, look, we need to do everything that we can to give the American people the facts in this case and end the rampant speculation as the media is beginning its latest rush to judgment. The American people are entitled to the facts and the law in this case.

Jailhouse Rock? Trump followed his furious indictment announcement with a DJ set

17:45 , Oliver O'Connell

At about 8.30pm on Thursday night, Donald Trump donned a red MAGA cap and played an outdoor DJ set at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, according to a new report.

Mr Trump, who earlier broke the news of his own indictment in a Truth Social post, put on his favorite tunes by Elvis Presley, Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown on an iPad on the patio of Bedminster’s main building, sources told the New York Times on condition of anonymity.

The former president had received a call about 90 minutes earlier from one of his attorneys informing him he had been indicted while huddled with his close political advisers in an office near a poolside cottage at the Bedminster private golf club, according to the Times.

Read more:

Jailhouse Rock? Trump followed his furious indictment announcement with a DJ set

Trump attorney and Fox suggest that Trump indictment is distraction from Hunter Biden

17:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Romney says Trump allegations are in line with actions that got him impeached twice

17:15 , Gustaf Kilander

Mitt Romney, Utah Republican Senator

Full story: Trump ‘body man’ who helped move documents at Mar-a-Lago reportedly indicted

17:08 , Oliver O'Connell

Bevan Hurley reports.

Trump ‘body man’ has reportedly indicted alongside ex-president

Trump associate Walt Nauta also indicted

16:56 , Oliver O'Connell

An associate of Donald Trump was charged alongside the former president in the indictment returned Thursday in the investigation into the handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, The Wall Street Journal first reported.

The former president posted on Truth Social:

I have just learned that the “Thugs” from the Department of Injustice will be Indicting a wonderful man, Walt Nauta, a member of the U.S. Navy, who served proudly with me in the White House, retired as Senior Chief, and then transitioned into private life as a personal aide. He has done a fantastic job! They are trying to destroy his life, like the lives of so many others, hoping that he will say bad things about “Trump.” He is strong, brave, and a Great Patriot. The FBI and DOJ are CORRUPT!

Trump immediately starts fundraising after he’s indicted over secret papers hoard

16:45 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump immediately started to fundraise off his fresh indictment on seven counts in the federal probe into his handling of classified information.

Mr Trump is set to appear at a federal courthouse in Miami on Tuesday at 3pm. If convicted, he could face a sentence of more than a century in prison.

“This is nothing but a disgusting act of Election Interference by the ruling party to ELIMINATE its opposition and amass total control over our country,” Mr Trump wrote in a message to supporters.

Read more:

Trump immediately starts fundraising after he’s indicted over secret papers hoard

Statement from former Trump lawyers Jim Trusty and John Rowley

16:44 , Oliver O'Connell

This morning we tendered our resignations as counsel to President Trump, and we will no longer represent him on either the indicted case or the January 6 investigation. It has been an honor to have spent the last year defending him, and we know he will be vindicated in his battle against the Biden Administration's partisan weaponization of the American justice system. Now that the case has been filed in Miami, this is a logical moment for us to step aside and let others carry the cases through to completion. We have no plans to hold media appearances that address our withdrawals or any other confidential communications we've had with the President or his legal team.

Nikki Haley decries ‘prosecutorial overreach'

16:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Trump UN ambassador and South Carolina governor and current 2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley had this to say about the indictment:

This is not how justice should be pursued in our country.

The American people are exhausted by the prosecutorial overreach, double standards, and vendetta politics.

It’s time to move beyond the endless drama and distractions.

Tiger King’s Joe Exotic calls on Donald Trump from prison to join his presidential campaign

16:37 , Oliver O'Connell

Tiger King star and convicted felon Joe Exotic has formally asked former President Donald Trump to join his upcoming 2024 presidential campaign.

The former zoo owner and TV personality, who is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence for 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder, took to Twitter on 8 June to ask the 45th president of the US to be his running mate.

His plea comes on the same day that Donald Trump was indicted for a second time on seven charges relating to the storage of classified national defense documents dating from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.

“Former President Trump,” Exotic’s message began. “Now that you have been indicted – welcome to the party. Now will you help me #FixThisS***.”

The tweet also included the hashtag #JoeExotic2024 and a link to his campaign website JoeExotic2024.com.

Read more:

Joe Exotic calls on Donald Trump from prison to join his presidential campaign

Trump shakes up legal team morning after indictment

16:24 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has shaken up his legal team on the morning after his indictment on federal charges.

The former president wrote on Truth Social:

For purposes of fighting the Greatest Witch Hunt of all time, now moving to the Florida Courts, I will be represented by Todd Blanche, Esq., and a firm to be named later. I want to thank Jim Trusty and John Rowley for their work, but they were up against a very dishonest, corrupt, evil, and “sick” group of people, the likes of which has not been seen before. We will be announcing additional lawyers in the coming days. When will Joe Biden be Indicted for his many crimes against our Nation? MAGA!

Capitol police officer wounded on Jan 6 reacts to Trump charges: ‘I call dibs on handcuffing him’

16:15 , Eric Garcia

One of the police officers injured during the January 6 Capitol riot volunteered to handcuff Donald Trump when the former president announced his indictment on federal charges.

Retired US Capitol Police Staff Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who resigned in December, posted the video of Mr Trump’s announcement on Twitter.

“I call dibs on handcuffing him,” he tweeted.

Mr Gonell announced his resignation from the Capitol Police force on 12 December, citing how he sought to continue to recover “physically and mentally” from the injuries he incurred as he defended the US Capitol when supporters of Mr Trump stormed the building in an attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential results. Mr Gonell suffered injuries in his hands, shoulder, calf and foot.

Mr Gonell also tagged fellow Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. The two men, as well as Washington DC Police Officer Daniel Hodges and retired officer Michael Fanone, all testified at the inaugural hearing of the House select committee that investigated the riot.

Read more:

Officer wounded on Jan 6 reacts to Trump charges: ‘Dibs on handcuffing him’

Why has Donald Trump been indicted again?

16:00 , Oliver Browning

Donald Trump was indicted on Thursday night (8 June) over his handling of classified documents after he left the White House.

The former US president, 76, faces seven charges that relate to the storage of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.

If convicted, the charges - which have not been made public - could carry a maximum combined sentence of 100 years in prison.

Following the historic federal indictment, Mr Trump insisted on his Truth Social platform: “I am an innocent man”.

Can Donald Trump run for president after being indicted?

15:45 , Joe Sommerlad

You might well ask, my beleaguered friend.

John Bowden has your answer.

Can Donald Trump run for president in 2024 after being indicted?

Some in Georgia GOP seek purity test as Trump appears at convention in aftermath of indictment

15:30 , AP

Georgia‘s state Republican convention gets underway Friday with Donald Trump still expected on Saturday, even as a right-wing party faction seeks to punish GOP officials it considers ideological traitors by banning them from future primary election ballots.

Trump could feed an air of vengeance after announcing Thursday that he’s been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents, overshadowing party business and speakers including Republican presidential candidates Asa Hutchinson and Vivek Ramaswamy.

The proposal to ban candidates could be used to penalize elected Republican leaders including Gov. Brian Kemp or Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who crossed Trump by refusing the then-president’s demands to overturn his loss in the 2020 election. It also could be used against candidates who show insufficient purity on abortion or taxes.

Kemp, Raffensperger and some other officials are skipping the two-day gathering in Columbus.

The proposals could be squelched, with opponents saying primary election voters should decide who’s fit to be a Republican. While ideological purists try to move Republicans relentlessly to the right, pragmatists say that’s a strategy to lose general elections in battleground Georgia.

Read more:

Some in Georgia GOP seek purity test as Trump appears at convention in aftermath of indictment

Trump mocked over ‘witch-hunt’ cries as he is indicted for second time

15:15 , Joe Sommerlad

Critics of Donald Trump mocked the former president on Twitter on Thursday night after it was revealed a grand jury chose to indict him on charges stemming from a Department of Justice investigation into his handling of classified materials.

“Trump will cry witch-hunt, and play the victim again. He is not,” former Illinois representative Adam Kinizinger tweeted.

He added: “He is corrupt If in fact he was the victim (he’s not) he would be one of the weakest men ever, since he just continually gets victimized and can’t stop it. But he’s a criminal not a victim.”

Here’s more from Ariana Baio.

Trump critics mock his cries of ‘witch-hunt’ as he is indicted for second time

Trump boasts about having non-declassified papers in bombshell recording: ‘I have a big pile’

15:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump made the stunning admission that he held onto “secret” military information that he hadn’t declassified.

“As president, I could have declassified, but now I can’t,” Mr Trump said during the meeting in 2021 after he left office, according to a transcript obtained by CNN.

In the meeting, Mr Trump spoke about a classified Defence Department document regarding a supposed attack on Iran. The recording was obtained by prosecutors, in which Mr Trump states that he didn’t declassify the document he’s speaking about.

On Thursday, Mr Trump was indicted on seven counts in the probe led by special counsel Jack Smith into the ex-president’s handling of classified documents.

The indictment hasn’t been made fully public, meaning it’s not clear if any of those charges relate to the recording from 2021.

Read more:

Trump boasts about having non-declassified papers in recording: ‘I have a big pile’

Trump lawyer Alina Habba says she’s ‘embarrassed’ over indictment

14:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Trump’s attorney Alina Habba said on Fox News last night that she is “ashamed” and “embarrassed” to be a lawyer after the former president was indicted.

Ms Habba spoke on Jesse Watters’ show amid news that a federal grand jury indicted her employer on charges related to his allegedly unlawful retention of national defence information.

“Every single time there is a coordinated dance that is becoming obvious to the American people because they are smart,” she said.

“I’m embarrassed to be a lawyer at this moment. Honestly, I am ashamed. I’m ashamed to be a lawyer. I’m ashamed that this is the state of our country.”

Eric Garcia and Andrew Feinberg have more.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba says she’s ‘embarrassed’ over indictment

How Trump’s second indictment unfolded: A timeline of the investigation into Mar-a-Lago documents

14:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Donald Trump has been indicted on seven charges relating to the storage of classified national defence documents dating from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.

The 45th president of the United States will now appear in federal court in Miami on Tuesday 13 June, his lawyer has since confirmed. Should he ultimately be convicted, he could face a maximum combined sentence of 100 years in prison.

His resort home was raided by the FBI in August 2022 as part of a hunt for search papers and other government records that should never have left the White House when his presidency ended in January 2021, a dramatic move that came as a surprise to the general public.

However, legal filings have since shown that the investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act that triggered that unprecedented action was months in the making.

The documents made clear that Trump had ample opportunity to return the material the government requested — and then subpoenaed — and revealed the sheer quantity of highly-sensitive documents he was keeping at the club.

Here is a timeline of notable developments in the case so far:

A timeline of the investigation into Trump’s Mar-a-Lago documents

The shopping list of allegations facing Donald Trump

14:15 , Joe Sommerlad

You would be forgiven for having completely lost track of all the trouble the former president has gotten himself into lately.

But fear not, Alex Woodward is here to explain it all.

Trump’s shopping list of allegations: The charges he faces

Trump unleashes on ‘woke military’ and says America is ‘going to hell’ in bizarre rant

14:00 , Abe Asher

Former President Donald Trump released a four-plus minute video on Truth Social on Thursday decrying the “woke” military, spreading baseless conspiracy theories about electoral politics, and announcing that the United States is “going to hell” as he is indicted by the Justice Department.

Mr Trump posted to the social media platform earlier on Thursday that was going to be indicted over his handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency, and, as that post and the subsequent video show, he’s not happy with the news.

Read more:

Trump says America is ‘going to hell’ in bizarre Truth Social rant after indictment

Read Trump’s furious reaction to indictment: ‘This is war’

13:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Trump released a four-minute video after announcing he had been hit with federal charges for allegedly retaining classified documents. Mr Trump repeated his false election fraud claims and accused the military of being “woke”.

Below is the former president’s statement in full.

Read Trump’s furious reaction to indictment: ‘This is war’

Trump bragged about ‘secret’ Iran document while making stunning admission on tape, report says

13:34 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump made the stunning admission that he held onto “secret” military information that he hadn’t declassified.

“As president, I could have declassified, but now I can’t,” Mr Trump said during the meeting in 2021 after he left office, according to a transcript obtained by CNN.

In the meeting, Mr Trump spoke about a classified Defence Department document regarding a supposed attack on Iran. The recording was obtained by prosecutors, in which Mr Trump states that he didn’t declassify the document he’s speaking about.

Trump allies invoke JFK assassination as ex-president indicted

13:15 , Joe Sommerlad

The former president’s MAGA allies quickly came to his defence on Thursday after he revealed he was facing a federal indictment related to a Department of Justice investigation into his mishandling of classified documents.

Here’s Matt Gaetz taking to the airwaves to cry “Election interference!” to give you an idea.

Ariana Baio has this comprehensive roundup.

Trump allies accuse Democrats of ‘election interference’ as ex-president indicted

Trump attacks ‘rabid wolves’ out to get him in latest campaign video

13:00 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s the twice-indicted, twice-impeached former president’s cinematic new attack vid, bringing his conspiracy-minded paranoia complex to the fore and making quick use of last week’s footage of Joe Biden tripping over at a graduation ceremony to insist he is “incompetent”.

Voices: The folly of trusting Trump claims two more victims. Why do they do it?

12:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Noah Berlatsky writes:

This week, CNN’s CEO Chris Licht was ousted after 16 months on the job and a brutal expose in The Atlantic. On Wednesday evening, it was reported that former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has been testifying before the grand jury investigating Trump. Some sources suggested he might be taking a plea deal, though his lawyer denied it.

Licht and Meadows both put their faith and trust in Donald Trump. They both attached themselves to him in the hope that his fame and power would boost their own fortunes. And they both, in quick order, ended up miserable and humiliated.

Read more...

The folly of trusting Trump claims two more victims. Why do they do it?

Biden defends DoJ’s independence as prosecutors prep Trump charges

12:15 , Joe Sommerlad

President Joe Biden on Thursday said Americans can trust that he has not interfered in the Justice Department’s independence despite claims to the contrary by former president Donald Trump, who is likely to be charged in a long-running probe over his alleged unlawful retention of national defence information.

Mr Biden made the comments at the tail end of a joint press conference alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after being asked what he could say to convince Americans of the department’s independence and fairness amid a rash of attacks against it from Mr Trump.

Andrew Feinberg reports for The Independent from the White House.

Biden defends Justice Department’s independence as prosecutors prep Trump charges

DeSantis campaign accused of using fake AI images of Trump hugging Fauci in ad

11:45 , Joe Sommerlad

Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign has been accused of using fake, AI-generated images of former President Donald Trump hugging ex-White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci in an attack ad.

Mr DeSantis and Mr Trump have been trading barbs for weeks about their respective Covid responses, with Mr Trump’s campaign and surrogates arguing that Mr DeSantis’ initial lockdown measures in Florida were too harsh and Mr DeSantis’ campaign arguing that Mr Trump was too acquiescent to medical professionals like Dr Fauci in crafting his administration’s response.

Now, in the ad shared by the the “DeSantis War Room” Twitter account, the Florida governor’s campaign is accused of crossing an ethical line.

Abe Asher has the full story.

DeSantis campaign accused of using fake AI images of Trump hugging Fauci in ad

There is ALWAYS a tweet

11:15 , Joe Sommerlad

Like the man says...

What is the difference between being indicted and being charged?

10:45 , Joe Sommerlad

To put it as simply as possible, under the American legal system, an indictment is a formal notice that the state believes a person has committed a crime, whereas a charge is a formal accusation made by a governmental authority asserting that somebody has committed a crime.

But here’s Abe Asher with a much more comprehensive explanation.

What is an indictment? Here’s what Donald Trump is facing

What is the Espionage Act that Trump is being investigated under?

10:15 , Joe Sommerlad

What do the transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning, the 1950s Soviet spy Julius Rosenberg and former president Donald Trump all have in common?

The answer, following the indictment arising from the discovery of classified documents at Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, is that all four have been investigated under suspicion of violating the Espionage Act of 1917.

When the FBI raided Mr Trump’s property last August, they were looking for items that might violate the Act, which regulates the handling of confidential documents relating to national security.

Most often used against spies, whistleblowers and government employees who leak documents to journalists, the Espionage Act carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

What is the Espionage Act that Trump is being investigated under?

After years of opposition, GOP set to encourage early voting, mail balloting

09:45 , Joe Sommerlad

After years of criticizing mail voting and so-called ballot harvesting as ripe for fraud, Republicans at the top of the party want to change course.

They are poised to launch aggressive get-out-the-vote campaigns for 2024 that employ just those strategies, attempting to match the emphasis on early voting Democrats have used for years to lock in many of their supporters well ahead of Election Day.

The goal is to persuade voters who support GOP candidates that early voting techniques are secure and to make sure they are able to return their ballots in time to be counted, thus putting less pressure on Election Day turnout efforts.

Read more...

GOP set to encourage early voting, mail balloting after years of opposite messaging to its voters

Inside the bitter rivalry between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom

09:15 , Joe Sommerlad

It’s been more than two decades since a state governor was elected to the White House, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the 2024 presidential race.

Six current or former governors have entered the 2024 GOP primary so far.

But no statehouse rivalry is more pronounced in US politics than the one between Florida governor and 2024 Republican candidate Ron DeSantis, and his Democratic counterpart from California, Governor Gavin Newsom.

Josh Marcus takes a look at the feud between the two men.

The long, bitter rivalry between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom

Now the GOP candidate field is likely set, what do we know?

08:45 , Oliver O'Connell

After a trio of new announcements this week, the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential field is all but set.

A handful of stragglers may jump in later, but as of now there are at least 10 high-profile Republican candidates officially seeking their party’s nomination. And with the announcement phase of the primary campaign largely over, several leading Republican contenders will gather in North Carolina this weekend to begin a more aggressive sorting period.

It will be a long road to the GOP’s national convention in Milwaukee next summer when Republican delegates across the country gather to finalize their nominee to run against President Joe Biden. Surprises are guaranteed. Fortunes will change. But as of now, every Republican White House hopeful is looking up at former President Donald Trump, who is the undisputed frontrunner in the crowded contest.

Here are some takeaways on where the Republican contest stands:

The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest stands.

Trump lawyer says she’s ‘ashamed’ and ‘embarrassed’

08:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former president Donald Trump’s attorney Alina Habba said on Fox News that she is “ashamed” and “embarrassed” to be a lawyer after the former president was indicted.

Ms Habba spoke on Jesse Watters’s show amid news that a federal grand jury indicted Mr Trump on charges related to his allegedly unlawful retention of national defence information.

“Every single time there is a coordinated dance that is becoming obvious to the American people because they are smart,” Ms Habba said.

The Trump attorney added that the indictments of the twice-impeached former president were the equivalent of a “shiny ball” meant to distract the American public.

“I’m embarrassed to be a lawyer at this moment,” she said. “Honestly, I am ashamed. I’m ashamed to be a lawyer. I’m ashamed that this is the state of our country.”

Eric Garcia and Andrew Feinberg report.

Trump lawyer says she’s ‘ashamed’ and ‘embarrassed’ as ex-president indicted

Donald Trump facing up to 100 years in prison - report

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former president Donald Trump is likely looking at 100 years in prison if convicted on the seven charges in the classified documents case, ABC News reported, citing sources.

The charges levied against him are willful retention of national defence information, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Withholding a document or record, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Corruptly concealing a document or record, another charge with maximum penalty of 20 years.

Concealing a document in a federal investigation, which also carries 20 years maximum as penalty.

Scheme to conceal and false statements and representations - both with five years as maximum penalty.

Trump slams indictment in Fox News rant

07:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The former president called the federal indictment “election interference at the highest level,” and claimed the Biden administration was “the most corrupt” in history.

Mr Trump told Fox News Digital that he would “of course” plead not guilty to the charges when he appears in federal court in Miami on Tuesday afternoon.

The Republican 2024 frontrunner is charged with at least seven counts involving obstruction of justice, conspiracy, and illegal retention of classified government material.

GOP opponent calls on Trump to drop out after latest charges

07:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

While many Republicans in the presidential field remain hesitant to criticise Donald Trump over his various indictments, one candidate has gone so far as to say he should drop out of the Republican nominating contest.

“Donald Trump’s actions – from his willful [sic] disregard for the constitution to his disrespect for the rule of law – should not define our nation or the Republican Party,” former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson said in a statement.

“This is a sad day for our country. While Donald Trump is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the ongoing criminal proceedings will be a major distraction. This reaffirms the need for Donald Trump to respect the office and end his campaign.”

Abe Asher reports.

GOP opponent says Trump should drop out after ‘disrespect for the rule of law’

For many Southern Baptists, the only 2024 question is which GOP candidate to support

06:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Southern Baptists form a core part of the white evangelical Christian bloc that has reliably and overwhelmingly voted Republican in recent elections, and is expected to again in 2024.

But Southern Baptists are weighing their options in the GOP presidential primary field — some already lining up behind Donald Trump, others wary of the former president, whom most evangelical voters supported in previous elections despite his vulgar language, serial marriages and sexual bravado. Some are looking at what Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or other candidates might offer.

But even critics of many Baptist voters’ embrace of hard-right politics have little doubt where this is headed in November 2024 — support for whichever candidate emerges from the GOP nomination process. The only question is the extent of the fervor they bring to the polls.

Read more...

For many Southern Baptists, the only campaign question is which Republican candidate to support

Trump allies invoke JFK assassination and accuse Democrats of ‘election interference’

06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Allies of former president Donald Trump quickly came to his defence after he revealed he was facing a federal indictment related to a Department of Justice investigation into his mishandling of classified documents.

The indictment comes after a months-long investigation into whether Mr Trump knowingly kept sensitive materials at his Mar-a-Lago home and / or misled investigators looking into the matter.

On Twitter, allies of Mr Trump remained loyal to him and downplayed the severity of the indictment.

Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) claimed the indictment was a form of “election interference” on Twitter.

Ariana Baio reports.

Trump allies accuse Democrats of ‘election interference’ as ex-president indicted

DeSantis defends flying migrants to California

05:30 , Graeme Massie

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday defended his state’s decision to fly migrants from the US-Mexico border to California, arguing that the state had essentially invited the migrants with its welcoming policies toward immigrants.

Read more...

DeSantis defends flying migrants to California as he meets with sheriffs near border

MAGA rallies behind Donald Trump

05:13 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

“The Biden Regime, which is realising they can’t beat or cheat their way to another victory, has taken the unprecedented step to indict president Trump,” MAGA Inc spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

“This comes amid reports that the Biden family accepted $10m in illegal bribes from foreign nationals. America is a nation that has become plagued by a two-tier system of justice that must be confronted and destroyed.

“This will only be done when we re-elect President Donald J Trump in 2024.”

Trump praises Pat Robertson after death – despite him saying ex-president lived in ‘alternate reality’

05:01 , Graeme Massie

Donald Trump has praised the life of Christian televangelist Pat Robertson, even though he once said that the former president was living in an “alternate reality.”

Trump praises evangelical leader Pat Robertson after his death despite 2020 criticism

Twitter boss reacts to Donald Trump’s indictment

04:49 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

“There does seem to be far higher interest in pursuing Trump compared to other people in politics,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

“Very important that the justice system rebut what appears to be differential enforcement or they will lose public trust.”

Trump will be arrested by FBI day before his birthday

04:44 , Graeme Massie

The former president is set to be arrested and booked before he appears in federal court in Miami on Tuesday 13 June, the day before his 76th birthday.

Obstruction, false statements and unlawfully retaining documents: The charges against Donald Trump

04:33 , Graeme Massie

A federal indictment against the former president is expected to include seven counts stemming from his mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago property.

Alex Woodward has the story.

What we know about the charges against Donald Trump

Trump’s Republican rival says ex-president victim of political ‘weaponisation’

04:26 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Florida governor Ron DeSantis condemned the indictment of Donald Trump, his chief rival for the Republican presidential nomination, calling it a political hatchet job.

“The weaponisation of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation,” Mr DeSantis tweeted.

“Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter?” he added.

Mr DeSantis also promised to end what he called political bias and to “bring accountability” to the Department of Justice if elected.

‘I am an innocent man’: Trump thunders after federal indictment

04:12 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former president Donald Trump called the federal indictment “election interference at the highest level” as he went on to claim that he was an “innocent man”.

“The Biden administration is totally corrupt,” he said in a post on Truth Social.

“This is election interference and a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time.”

Mr Trump told Fox News Digital that he would “of course” plead not guilty to the charges when he appears in federal court in Miami on Tuesday afternoon.

With federal indictment, Trump notches up another disgraceful first for a US president

04:05 , Graeme Massie

There has never been a more corrupt President in United States history, writes Ahmed Baba.

With federal indictment, Trump notches up another disgraceful first

Trump indicted on seven charges in secret documents case

03:53 , Graeme Massie

What is an indictment? Here’s what Donald Trump is facing

03:46 , Graeme Massie

Mr Trump is the first former US president ever to face federal indictment.

What is an indictment? Here’s what Donald Trump is facing

Asa Hutchinson calls for Trump to end 2024 campaign

03:41 , Graeme Massie

The former Arkansas governor issued a statement after Mr Trump was indicted with seven charges in secret documents case.

Fox News host Mark Levin screams in outrage at Trump indictment

03:31 , Graeme Massie

McCarthy falsely claims Trump indicted by Biden

03:25 , Graeme Massie

The House majority leader Kevin McCarthy took to twitter and falsely claimed that Joe Biden was the one who indicted Donald Trump, rather than a grand jury empanelled by special counsel Jack Smith for the Justice Department.

Former FBI agent in Russia probe mocks Trump

03:21 , Graeme Massie

Peter Strzok posted a picture of a handcuff with the outline of Donald Trump’s head silhouetted.

The White House got no heads up on Trump indictment

03:15 , Graeme Massie

The White House did not receive any heads up from DoJ special counsel Jack Smith or Attorney General Merrick Garland that Donald Trump was going to be indicted on seven charges in the secret documents case, a source told The Independent.

Trump GOP rival Vivek Ramaswamy backs Trump and says he'd pardon him on day one

03:11 , Graeme Massie

“It would be much easier for me to win this election if Trump weren’t in the race, but I stand for principles over politics. I commit to pardon Trump promptly on January 20, 2025 and to restore the rule of law in our country,” the 2024 GOP hopeful tweeted.

Ron DeSantis condemns indictment of rival Trump

03:08 , Graeme Massie

“The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation,” the Florida governor Tweeted on Thursday night.

“Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter? The DeSantis administration will bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all.”

Trump allies accuse Democrats of ‘election interference’ as ex-president indicted

03:03 , Graeme Massie

Federal indictment will be the second time the former president is indicted.

Trump allies accuse Democrats of ‘election interference’ as ex-president indicted

Trump lawyer Jim Trusty gives more details on charges

02:57 , Graeme Massie

Can Donald Trump run for president in 2024?

02:52 , Graeme Massie

Trump claims he has been indicted by a grand jury over his handling of classified documents.

Can Donald Trump run for president in 2024?

Will Donald Trump be arrested and jailed after classified documents indictment?

02:41 , Graeme Massie

Former president says he has been summoned to answer the charges against him at a Miami, Florida courthouse next week.

Will Donald Trump be arrested after classified documents indictment?

Amid calls to charge DeSantis, Florida officials share video boasting of role in California migrant flights

02:31 , Graeme Massie

Florida officials have shared footage of migrants that the state helped shuttle to California on private jets amid calls for kidnapping charges to be brought against Governor Ron DeSantis.

A video shared by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) compiled two minutes and 21 seconds of clips showing migrants dancing to music on a bus, signing waivers, and smiling as they posed for photos on a plane.

Read more...

Florida officials share video boasting of role in California migrant flights

Trump releases bizarre video talking about ‘woke military’ and election numbers as he’s indicted

02:19 , Graeme Massie

The former president says the country is ‘going to hell’.

Trump releases video talking about ‘woke military’ and election data as he’s indicted

Read Trump’s furious reaction to federal indictment in classified documents case

02:10 , Graeme Massie

Donald Trump repeated his election lies and accused the military of being ‘woke’.

Trump lawyer says she’s ‘ashamed’ and ‘embarrassed’ as ex-president indicted over secret papers

01:50 , Graeme Massie

Trump lawyer says she’s ‘ashamed’ and ‘embarassed’ as ex-president indicted

Charlie Kirk calls on all GOP candidates to suspend campaigns

01:46 , Graeme Massie

“Every “Republican” running for President should suspend their campaign and go to Miami as a show of support. If you don’t, you are part of the problem. Either we have an opposition party or we don’t. GO to Miami Tuesday, and show solidarty or we will mark you as part of the oppsition,” the conservative activist tweeted.

Don Jr attacks indictment brought by DoJ against father

01:40 , Graeme Massie

“Biden’s corrupt DOJ is openly interfering in the 2024 presidential election to stop Trump because they know Biden can’t beat him in a fair race. That’s what this is really all about and everyone knows it,” he tweeted.

Trump will have mugshot taken by FBI, says report

01:36 , Graeme Massie

The FBI will take a mugshot and fingerprints of Donald Trump when he surrenders in Florida on Tuesday, but the photograph of the former president will not be made public, reported NBC News.

‘A criminal not a victim’: Trump critics mock his cries of ‘witch-hunt’ as he is indicted over secret papers

01:32 , Graeme Massie

Reports emerged Thursday that Mr Trump would face seven charges on a federal indictment.

Trump critics mock his cries of ‘witch-hunt’ as he is indicted over secret papers

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website