Attorneys for failed former president Donald Trump are probably wishing that a federal judge would indeed impose a gag order on their client, because once again he has strengthened the case against him that’s being prepared by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
During an interview with right-wing radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump went on a rant about how it was both illegal and unfair for him to be charged with keeping classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, telling the host:
“Like the records case, I come under the Presidential Records Act. I’m allowed to do it. Biden’s not allowed to do it, because he wasn’t president. It’s a special act that was passed in great detail in 1977, in tremendous detail. It tells you everything you’re allowed to do, and it’s not criminal. It has nothing to do with the criminal. It’s not a criminal act.”
That’s complete bullshit. Trump had left the White House and was no longer covered by the Presidential Records Act, which he’d know if he bothered to read the law. Provided, of course, he can actually read, which remains in doubt.
While he was at it, Trump also claimed that he would testify at his upcoming criminal trials, which is also a lie.
Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday in an interview that he’d “absolutely” take the witness stand in his own defense if the criminal cases against him go to trial.
“Oh yes, absolutely. … That, I would do,” Trump said when asked by radio host Hugh Hewitt if he’d testify. “That, I look forward to.”
However, it was the comment about his handling of classified information that set off the most discussion on social media, where several legal experts noted the disgraced ex-president had just handed Smith a valuable weapon.
Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti said Trump’s words during the Hewitt interview are likely to become a key part of Smith’s case.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Jack Smith uses this statement against Trump at trial. Trump thinks he is ‘allowed to do whatever I want,” Mariotti said.
“The jury will receive instructions from the judge indicating that the law indicates otherwise.”
Conservative attorney George Conway concurred with Mariotti.
“This will make a terrific quote for the Government to use in the first paragraph of its sentencing memorandum.”
Trump is also facing criminal trials in Washington, DC and Georgia for his attempts to steal the 2020 election.
