On Monday night, CNN published an exclusive regarding former President Donald Trump’s federal indictment: audio of him allegedly discussing and sharing a classified document with civilians.
Although much of the tape’s contents was already covered in a written transcript included in Trump’s most recent indictment, the former president’s tone and his nonchalant approach to revealing classified information only bolster allegations that he knowingly kept sensitive documents and disclosed them to others who didn’t have clearance, legal experts tell Vox.
“It’s the accused proving the case against him[self]. You kind of don’t get any more direct evidence than that,” says Abbe Smith, a Georgetown law professor and criminal defense attorney.
In the audio, Trump refers to a document he says is about attacking Iran as “secret” and “confidential,” and seemingly shows it to a writer in order to prove a point that he did not want to go to war and that other officials like General Mark Milley allegedly did.
You can listen to the full recording, which is the audio of a written transcript that’s part of Trump’s recent indictment, here. We spoke with four law professors who broke down why the tape only strengthens any case the prosecution presents, and how it directly contradicts recent claims Trump has made in an attempt to defend himself.
The following interviews have been edited for clarity and length.
What, if any, bearing do you see the audio of Trump’s tape having on the case against him?
Abbe Smith, Georgetown law professor: I think it’s very compelling evidence at trial, to hear the voice of the accused basically boasting in a gleeful manner about possessing and sharing what he understands to be classified material.
What feels especially compelling is his tone of voice, the light, cavalier tone. And the people surrounding him could only be described as sycophants because they’re giggling kind of nervously. One manages to eke…
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