Former President Donald Trump was reportedly informed by his attorney, Jennifer Little, about the potential criminal consequences of non-compliance with a subpoena in the classified documents case. ABC News reported that Little explicitly warned Trump of the legal ramifications, stating that he could face criminal charges if he failed to cooperate with special counsel Jack Smith’s subpoena.
Trump’s Attorney Warned Him of Criminal Consequences in Classified Docs Case, ABC Reports
The revelation comes from sources familiar with the matter and sheds light on the assertive accusations made by Special Counsel Jack Smith in his June 2023 indictment against Trump. Smith alleged that Trump knowingly defied a federal subpoena by concealing over 100 classified documents from the FBI and his legal team, later certifying the opposite.
The key meeting where Little conveyed the warning to Trump reportedly took place at Mar-a-Lago just days after the former president was subpoenaed in May 2022 over his handling of classified records. Attorney Evan Corcoran, enlisted to assist Trump in the documents case, was also present during this crucial meeting.
Sources cited by ABC indicated that Little emphasized the seriousness of the subpoena, differentiating it from previous events where the National Archives had been requesting Trump’s return of records taken from the White House. The meeting aimed to make Trump aware of the gravity of the situation and the potential criminal charges he could face if he did not comply.
In the June 2023 indictment, Smith accused Trump of intentionally hiding classified documents and providing false certifications through his legal team. The indictment led to Trump facing 40 criminal counts related to allegations of retaining government documents after leaving office.
Trump’s legal representation, Jennifer Little, conveyed to Smith’s team earlier this year that Trump fully understood the consequences of non-compliance. This information provides insight into the interactions between Trump and his legal counsel in the context of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Representatives for Trump and Jennifer Little did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Special Counsel Jack Smith declined to provide additional comments.
The classified documents case adds another layer to the legal challenges faced by the former president, with potential implications for the ongoing investigation and public perception of Trump’s actions during and after his presidency.
