An accusation from a former top Homeland Security Department official should have failed, twice-indicted former president Donald Trump terrified, according to an ex-federal prosecutor.
Specifically, Miles Taylor, who was DHS chief of staff in the Trump administration, writes in his new book that Trump shared secret documents related to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi with reporters.
That report led MSNBC host Katie Phang to tell former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, “NBC is releasing exclusive reporting about ex-Trump aide Miles Taylor in which Miles alleges in 2018, Trump’s press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, described an incident with Trump displaying to reporters classified documents related to journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s death.”
“Do you think Jack Smith has already had a lead on this? I mean, we keep on hearing these things pop up here and there. We saw in the indictment about Bedminster and the writing of a book, and journalists being present, even a PAC person like Susie Wiles. I mean, is this the kind of stuff we think Jack Smith would have a bead on it already?”
“He might, Katie,” McQuade responded. “It could be valuable as what you know is 404(b) evidence; that is evidence of the person’s common scheme or plan.”
McQuade added, “And so, even if he doesn’t charge it, you can use that as evidence to show that Trump is very reckless when he handles classified information. So, every piece of evidence brings value.”
Think about it: According to Taylor, Trump was waving around classified documents that related to the possible crimes of the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. That sort of information is not meant to be shared with anyone who doesn’t have a high-level security clearance.
With each day, Jack Smith’s case against Trump grows stronger. It’ll be fascinating to see the ex-president’s reaction to this latest bombshell.
