Former US Attorney General William Barr has expressed his belief that former President Donald Trump could be in serious trouble if allegations of mishandling classified documents are proven true. Barr, who served as Trump’s attorney general from February 2019 to December 2020, criticized his former boss and argued that Trump had no right to retain the files found at his residence. Trump is scheduled to appear in court in Miami on Tuesday to face numerous charges related to the alleged illegal retention of classified information. Despite the accusations, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
During an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Barr defended the 37-count indictment filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith, describing it as a detailed and damning document. He expressed shock at the sensitivity and volume of the classified documents involved, emphasizing that if even half of the allegations were true, Trump’s situation would be dire. Barr stressed that documents concerning battle plans or national capabilities are not personal files but rather government documents.
While Barr was once a staunch ally of Trump, his stance has become increasingly critical since leaving office. In contrast to many prominent Republicans who have been reluctant to criticize the former president, Barr dismissed the notion that the indictment was politically motivated, calling it “ridiculous.” In response, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, branding Barr as a “disgruntled former employee” and a “lazy attorney general who was weak and totally ineffective.”
During a recent campaign rally, Trump denounced the indictment as election interference by the “corrupt” FBI and justice department. He vowed to continue his campaign even if convicted. The indictment accuses Trump of retaining hundreds of classified documents, including those related to US nuclear secrets and military plans, at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, after leaving office. It further alleges that he obstructed the investigation and provided false statements to investigators.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Trump could face significant prison time due to the criminal charges. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw the investigation, has denied any political motivations, stating that the same laws apply to everyone in the country. Trump is expected to travel from his New Jersey residence to Miami on Monday before making an initial appearance at the federal courthouse on Tuesday. The mayor of Miami is set to outline security plans in anticipation of protests supporting the former president. Following the hearing, Trump plans to address the media from his Bedminster golf club on Tuesday evening.
