Donald Trump is now under federal indictment for violating the Espionage Act

Happy Pride, everyone! Donald Trump has been indicted! AGAIN!!! This indictment is related to Trump’s theft of a bigly amount of highly classified documents. As he left the White House in disgrace in January 2021, Trump made sure to grab all of the classified documents his little baby fists could carry as he waddled out the door. Last year, the issue came to a head as the FBI raided Trump’s Florida compound (Mar-a-Lago) because he repeatedly lied to federal law enforcement about what he took, where those highly classified documents were located and who else had seen the documents. Even after the raid, there were still documents missing! And we still don’t know how many people saw them, or if Trump sold information to America’s enemies. He reportedly stole highly classified documents about nuclear weapons too. Well, Attorney General Merrick Garland referred the issue to Special Counsel Jack Smith last year. And now it’s Christmas in June.

The Justice Department on Thursday took the legally and politically momentous step of lodging federal criminal charges against former President Donald J. Trump, accusing him of mishandling classified documents he kept upon leaving office and then obstructing the government’s efforts to reclaim them.

Mr. Trump confirmed on his social media platform that he had been indicted. The charges against him include willfully retaining national defense secrets in violation of the Espionage Act, making false statements and a conspiracy to obstruct justice, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The indictment, handed up by a grand jury in Federal District Court in Miami, is the first time a former president has faced federal charges. It puts the nation in an extraordinary position, given Mr. Trump’s status not only as a onetime commander in chief but also as the current front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to face President Biden, whose administration will now be seeking to convict his potential rival of multiple felonies.

Mr. Trump is expected to surrender to the authorities on Tuesday, according to a person close to him and his own post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been indicted,” Mr. Trump wrote, in one of several posts around 7 p.m. after he was notified of the charges. The former president added that he was scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Miami at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. In a video he released later on Truth Social, Mr. Trump declared: “I’m an innocent man. I’m an innocent person.”

[From The NY Times]

I love how selective the Times is with how they quote Trump’s Truth Social screeches. While Trump absolutely declared “I’m an innocent man” (LMAO) he also spun a conspiracy about how Biden keeps classified documents in his garage with an open door and paper-thin walls. I’m not joking. As for all of Trump’s Espionage Act crimes… well, this has been a long-ass time coming. Enjoy!

While this is the first federal indictment for Trump, he’s also still under indictment in New York on state charges – more than 30 felony charges in connection with his hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels. The photos in this post are from Trump’s arraignment in New York a few months ago, and as the Times reports, Trump will need to be in court in Miami next Tuesday for his federal arraignment.

Photos courtesy of Backgrid, Cover Images, cover courtesy of the NYT.

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95 Responses to “Donald Trump is now under federal indictment for violating the Espionage Act”

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  1. HamsterJam says:

    Sing it with me, “Oh Happy Day!”

    • Suzanne says:

      I’ll join you. I’m up in Canada dancing around my living room. LOL. My pup is staring at me wondering what’s going on. Terrific news!!!

      • Lightpurple says:

        And this will not be the end of indictments.

        He is still under investigation for the coup attempt and for election tampering in Georgia. The Georgia investigation has expanded to other states and will take down Lindsey Graham too.

      • lucy2 says:

        Fingers crossed, especially about Graham. He had no business interfering with the Georgia election, it’s not even his state, and even if it was, it would still be illegal. He hated the orange turd at the beginning, went on that little golf excursion with him where I assume he was threated with compromising material on him, and came away singing his praises and defending him at every turn. I hope he pays for selling his soul the way he did.

    • Tacky says:

      Pat Robertson dead and Trump indicted. What a Thursday.

    • BeanieBean says:

      Whoop whoop!!!! Indicted under the Espionage Act!! The ESPIONAGE ACT!!!!! Oh Happy Day, ah happy day…!!!!

    • TarteAuCitron says:

      Joining in the celebrations from Ireland \o/
      … I can’t face seeing him slither out of trouble again. They must surely have enough to nail him down?!

    • Doppelgangers R'Us says:

      For those who may not remember, DJTs Birthday is next Wednesday!
      So this is going to be an early present. To the World!
      I am sure there are many here who will be thinking of him on that day.
      And perhaps some will join me in hoping the remainder of his birthday’s be spent in a cell in Leavenworth.

    • phaedra7 says:

      This fully proves that: NO MAN IS ABOVE THE LAW! Take-A-💩 and his supporters THOUGHT that they were going to get off scot-free because of this wealth, popularity/notoriety, personality (so-called bravado) plus gender along with the racial background. Well, they all THOUGHT WRONG! IMPHO, this all should have happened a long time ago, but like the saying says: “No time like the present!”. 👍

  2. Izzy says:

    *laughs in spycraft* I didn’t think the day would come that he would ever be indicted, so the continued indictments are like an extra birthday present for me.

    • Smart&Messy says:

      Neither did I think the day would come, and here we go federal charges on something real! No disrespect to Stormy Daniels, she is impossibly brave, but it is even better to see him charged with something related to the many ways he is a traitor. Now I feel hopeful about a case against Treason Barbie too.

    • Truthiness says:

      The patience and respect that DOJ treated the case has helped the case (I know, excruciating for us). 2 days ago Bill Barr, Trump’s own Atty General and previous head of DOJ, went on CBS to trumpet how THE FACTS show that this was no witch hunt. He pointed out that the DOJ was deferential and respectful, Trump had many chances, that Trump only has himself to blame for not turning over the documents. Barr was a shitty Atty General but now that he doesn’t work for Trump he can let the truth fly.

  3. Smile says:

    About damn time!

  4. Flowerlake says:

    TRump’s ArraIgnmenT OR it being Friday, what makes me happier?

    The arraignment of course.

  5. j.ferber says:

    Another feather in his cap with the crazies. He’s being “persecuted” by the “corrupt” Biden government. T. will raise money on this, like he does on everything else. Mark my words. And it will all go directly into his pockets. Tax free. The grift never ends with this one.

    • Rapunzel says:

      The Magats I know are pretty silent on this. They know they look stupid defending him.

      • Brassy Rebel says:

        And yet elected Republicans still do! The so-called Speaker of the House spun it as Biden indicted Trump. Just to be clear, Trump was indicted on seven counts including conspiracy by a Federal grand jury.

        On a less positive note, this is a mark of government corruption. Shortly after leaving office, the ex-president gets indicted. We’re not in a good place here, but there must be accountability.

      • Kitten says:

        MAGAts know he’s guilty but they don’t care and yeah, he will def fundraise off of this.

      • JanetDR says:

        Not a peep from any of them on my Facebook page (although I blocked or unfriended the worst offenders). 🎉🥳🍿💃

      • Lorelei says:

        Even if he’s in prison (lol as if that will ever happen), he’ll probably still be the GOP nominee. The halfwits who adore him just do not care.

  6. Seraphina says:

    He deserves all he all that is coming to him and then some more. He has destroyed the country and the office which he held. I hope the rule of law will prevail. And we have not yet seen what Georgia may bring to the courtroom table.

    • Josephine says:

      I think the Georgia case is the most serious and strongest. I think election tampering at that level should be considered treason. And I think the Georgia case will bring down more than just the orange dumpy one.

      He’s unleased many little nazi disciples, though, so his party has no lack of trash vying for election. Republicants have been completely taken over by evangelical hyprocites and trash nazi and gun nuts, and the super rich are soaking in all the profits while focusing their loser followers on nonsense issues.

      • Brassy Rebel says:

        I think this documents case is the most serious. It goes to the heart of national security. And it’s literally a “federal case”. But with Trump, they’re all serious.

      • Brassy Rebel says:

        Actually, the coup attempt would be the most serious if they could link it directly and incontrovertibly to Trump. But that will be especially difficult because he could easily mount a First Amendment defense. It was stochastic terrorism. Very difficult to prove.

        So many crimes!

      • ML says:

        Well put, Brassy Rebel: “So many crimes.” Each time he gets indicted (which is a wild thought), he is going to figuratively bleed a bit. He lost to Biden and the US dislikes losers. And now he’s going to have the messy stench of assorted courtroom dramas to deal with. This will (hopefully) lessen his power over various R voters and make sure he never sees power again. And hopefully he will finally fricking pay for his crimes.

      • Seraphina says:

        It’s the espionage charge that is going to sink him. And Georgia will be icing on the cake. I don’t expect any prison time being who he is, but to keep anyone with the last name of Trump from holding office, even on a PTA board, is enough for me.
        What will be interesting is if the republicans win the next election, will that president pardon him.

      • ML says:

        Seraphina, The thought of a Republican president fills me with dread. Nixon was pardoned—so there is that precedent. And unfortunately the Republican party is literally full of alternate-fascist reality thinkers. I think Trump is sure to be pardoned simply because all Republicans seem to vote pretty much the same way, even if they appear to be relatively sane.

      • Lucy says:

        @Seraphina – that’s why the Georgia and New York cases remain important. President can’t pardon state convictions. Now, a Georgia Governor of the future could conceivably pardon, but I really think once the extent of what he’s done, plus the diehards dying (based on age), makes that unlikely. Not during his lifetime anyway

      • ThatsNotOkay says:

        Crime time!

    • Jaded says:

      DA Fani Willis’ office hinted that they were considering invoking Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute in the case against Trump. That could include extortion, wire fraud and fraudulent fund-raising, and seditious conspiracy. With all that’s looming over Trump’s head, including the second E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit which could cost him BIGLY in punitive damages, he’s looking at going broke AND jail time. Couldn’t be happening to a more deserving guy.

  7. Rapunzel says:

    Indictment, Part 2: Electric Boogaloo. Best sequel of the summer.

  8. Amy T says:

    This is going to be one wild ride. He could’ve died as a famous reality star and real estate mogul and gotten away with his rotten, corrupt practices. But nope. He wanted to be the Emperor of Earth and used the presidency and appealing to the coarsest elements of a political party to operationalize that. This is gonna be a fight for the soul of this country, and while elements of that will be entertaining, it’s actually deadly serious.

    • MsIam says:

      Yep, Trump should have left well enough alone and kept on being his usual terrible self in somewhat privacy. Throwing money at his troubles or dragging people into court to try and litigate them to death. Now, though? It’s coming and he can’t get out of the way. Oh well!

    • lucy2 says:

      I’ve always thought that too. If he’s just stayed quiet, or dropped out of the race like he had repeatedly done, he could have lived out the rest of his life with his scam company and the feds would have continued ignoring him. He got that little whiff of power and public adoration (vomit) and it fried his brain.

      I still don’t expect serious consequences, but I hope I’m wrong, and every time he’s indicted or anything, I do feel a little thrill, and a little hope.

      • Lady D says:

        “I still don’t expect serious consequences, but I hope I’m wrong,” Same, lucy2, I hope and hope and maybe one day he will see consequences as a result of his actions, but I am not holding my breath. Everything about him is disappointing and infuriating.

    • Nic919 says:

      I think he ran the first time to raise his profile and then make some money off of that. He didn’t expect to win and that seemed clear the night of the election.

      Once he got in power he realized just how much a corrupt president can profit from and he’s become more dangerous. I also believe he kept the documents because that info has been sold to non allies. I would look at Saudi Arabia and the billions paid to Kushner as a start.

  9. j.ferber says:

    He wears his indictments like a badge. Up is down and down is up. And he’s taking half the country with him. History will not be kind to him. May he have one staggering defeat after another. May he lose every last follower as time moves on and every last one of us meets his or her fate.

  10. j.ferber says:

    Amy T, Yup. And scary as hell.

  11. Digital Unicorn says:

    Wooo – its certainly the season for Indictments. thats 2 when will the Georgia one drop?!?!?

    Wonder when the fund raising emails went out?!?! He so needs the money.

    • Seraphina says:

      I went on that stupid website to check it out – curiosity and all – it was interesting because when I went to close the page his image popped up and a banner stating: YOU FORGOT TO DONATE appeared. His only focus is money.

    • Lightpurple says:

      Expected in August. It was expanded to include investigations in other states.

      This indictment wasn’t actually expected until later in the month so it is gloriously early.

      Adding to the joy is the Supreme Court ruling on Alabama redistricting, which will likely cost Republicans a House seat.

      • Truthiness says:

        Lightpurple’s right. Yesterday’s Scotus ruling on the Alabama gerrymandering is EVERYTHING! It affects at least 8 gerrymandering cases in the pipeline and can apply to sooo many states.

        The ruling had 2 special WOC heroes, Justice Kentanji who was amazing in orals by bringing up ‘originalism’ of the Reconstruction amendments, and Abha Khanna who argued the case on behalf of the Marc Elias law team. (Marc Elias is the guy who beat Trump in 61 election cases out of 62 in 2020.) Clarence Thomas was so mad he wrote a 50 page dissent. Roberts and Kavanaugh joined the 3 liberal justices in the historic ruling on voter rights.

  12. Linney says:

    Of course I am thrilled about this, but I am still skeptical he will receive what he deserves. Every time I get my hopes up, I am disappointed, so fingers crossed.

    • Kitten says:

      Yeah same. And I bet he walks. But on a positive note, he’ll never be able to wash the stink off. This isn’t one of his many scandals that he can just shrug off. I mean. the historical implications alone…

  13. GDubslady says:

    Trump’s ass is grass and his b team lawyers are hacks from the yellow pages. No reputable lawyer will work with him. Trump has no defense except to permanently suspend his campaign and never run for federal, state or local office. Even then he may still have to accept some felony charges. Jack Smith who looks like a 21st century Civil War Union General is just getting started.

    • Barbie1 says:

      Can’t wait for him to go down. Your yellow pages comment was so funny lol.

    • Truthiness says:

      Trump is the problem, Jim Trusty is a sophisticated and experienced ex DOJ prosecutor who knows Jack Smith from his lengthy time at DOJ. Rowley is well respected too, it’s just that they can’t get their client to shut or obey in any way. Of course being guilty as sin is the biggest problem. Trump probably has to pay Trusty in advance. And LOL at them getting a blond looker to join their team and help wrangle Trump, that was kind of astute.

      • Jaded says:

        Jim Trusty and John Rowley just resigned. Todd Blanche, a New York lawyer who is representing Trump in the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

      • Jaded says:

        EDIT: Todd Blanche is replacing Trusty and Rowley.

      • Truthiness says:

        Yep Jaded! I hope you’re reading the unsealed indictments because Lordy, it’s epic. Defense secrets, weapons capabilities, he was really giving away the ranch. He stored boxes in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, office spaces, his bedroom…is this an episode from Hoarders?

        Trusty and Rowley don’t need this mess and I’m happy to see counsel abandon this tire fire. Maybe they read the catsup on the wall.

      • ThatsNotOkay says:

        They read the ketchup on the wall?!! lol!!!

  14. Renae says:

    “21st century Civil War Union General..”.
    Perfect description Gdubslady!
    Or….A Nuremberg trial judge?
    I like your description better
    And Georgia? I figure early to mid August. (Gonna be a Long HOT summer for Mango Mussolini.

  15. Mrs. Smith says:

    Think about it — we’ve been living with a pit in our stomachs since his campaign started in 2015. I’ve been buoyed by Biden, but felt triggered every time I saw that horrible orange face. Not today! I will savor every tantrum, meltdown and insane, pathetic defense his lawyers try to spin.

    The next exciting chapter is Mark Meadows, who flipped on Trump to save his own hide. The Rs he texted with on J6 are now in BIG trouble with the feds. It’s like 20 people, a full roster of the most hated people in congress who deserve every minute being grilled by prosecutors.

    Finally, we have George Santos and his crazy ass. Waiting for the judge to unseal who bankrolled his bail.

  16. t-willa says:

    Kudos to CBS for not letting trump’s team have the first word this morning; ABC and NBC let his attorney be the first to speak. CBS’s legal analysts were clear and to the point. Although everyone thinks of spying when they hear espionage, the law has a section that states the retention of US government property which can affect the defense of the country is also espionage. She added that classification has nothing to do with it as unclassified documents in the wrong hands still cause harm. She also explained why Biden and Pence won’t be indicted as the magats are demanding because they voluntarily let the archivists search and they turned over all property identified as still belonging to the government. The documents in trump’s possession were discovered only after the execution of a warrant and his own lie that he had already returned everything is what will convict him.

    The media has got to learn to stop letting trump lead the reports to avoid another circus.

  17. Tiffany says:

    I got shivers reading Beachloss tweet. I know who they are and what they did, but I still shiver nonetheless.

    I know my home country ain’t great, but I will never be a traitor to it.

    It shouldn’t have gone this far and the over qualified women who been right all this time should have been everyone’s vote. Period.

  18. Beverley says:

    *laughs in Black Ancestor*
    The Dumpster Fire is about to begin.
    God is good!

  19. AmyB says:

    The classified documents case and the GA probe are the two I always thought were the strongest against him. THANK YOU Jack Smith!!

    I was listening to some legal analysis last night about the felony charges here – mishandling classified documents, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to investigators. So he not only retained classified documents that were not permitted but also lied and tried to cover it up. Two separate things. We heard there was audio of Trump speaking about classified documents he had on Iran (obviously acknowledging they were still classified and in his possession), and Mark Meadows recently testified before the grand jury. It has been reported he made a deal with the prosecution for immunity because we KNOW Meadows knows where all the bodies are buried!

    Christmas did come early this year!!

    • Jaded says:

      Yayyy for Mark Meadows! Now he only got partial immunity so he will likely do some brief jail time and then be on detainment at home like Michael Cohen, but the mere fact that he’s willing to fall on his sword to incriminate Trump is significant.

  20. Nicegirl says:

    An INNOCENT man?? Baby Fists has me cackling in the kitchen again.

    And singing 🎤 Billy Joel.

  21. aquarius64 says:

    Orange-zilla is scheduled to do the Walk of Shame to he Miami federal court house on June 13. While Trump’s ride or dies will cry foul on the charges, one group is certainly not happy: the Heritage Foundation is expecting DHS to respond to its BS lawsuit on Harry’s visa application on the same day.

  22. Aimee says:

    Between the NY charges and these that’s 42 counts. And we’re not even talking about GA, Jan 6th, etc.

    I’m not so sure he walks on ALL of these. And I think the stress and pressure of these cases might finally be the thing that sends him to the first golf hole at Bedminster.

    • Deering24 says:

      Heh–I’m betting too that the Grim Reaper will nail him before even one of these cases conclude. He _would_ die to escape conviction…but there’s no fleeing from what comes after the grave….🤣🤣🤣

  23. Donna says:

    I just wish the jurisdiction was Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami, but I understand why Miami was chosen. It has bigger and more courthouses and can accommodate this kind of case. The Southern District of Florida is Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the Keys. Miami turned red in the last election. Fort Lauderdale stayed blue. Hears hoping for the right outcome.

  24. j.ferber says:

    AmyB, I’ve always thought the January 6, 2020 Insurrection was the strongest case against him. In fact, I remember reading in a newspaper an ad by Trump inviting people to come to DC on January 6 because it would be “wild.” I remember feeling foreboding about that “wild.” This was carefully and deliberately set up by him and whatever squad. Coward that he is, he just didn’t walk into Congress with them and try to tear it all down, but he surely arranged it all. That BASTARD.

    • AmyB says:

      We will see what comes of that investigation – Jack Smith is also in charge of that one. I absolutely think he is guilty of instigating the insurrection, but we do have First Amendment free speech rights (which would be their argument no doubt). The fact that Mark Meadows has testified and apparently took some kind of deal is significant for that case – he was involved DEEP in the whole thing. Fingers crossed, Trump will see indictments for this case too! I am pretty confident GA will indict him as well.

  25. Eggbert says:

    Lock him up! Lock him up!

  26. Lizzie Bathory says:

    Apparently Jim Trusty & John Rowley announced today that they are resigning as Trump’s counsel. They will not represent him in this case *or* in any cases related to January 6. Trump is in serious trouble.

    • Truthiness says:

      Trusty and Rowley are esteemed ex prosecutors, they don’t need a moron who won’t listen to them. And if Trump gets sketchy about paying them, they’re out. Maggie Haberman reported that Trump was DJ-ing at a party last night. Wtf

  27. j.ferber says:

    AmyB, But where does First Amendment free speech rights end and inciting a riot, inciting violence or inciting an insurrection against a federal government begin? What about sedition? I’m not a lawyer, but what Trump did went way beyond 1st amendment rights and I’m sure investigators can put the pieces together to prove it. There has to be A LOT of evidence there.

    • AmyB says:

      @j.ferber

      I absolutely agree that Trump went WELL beyond First Amendment rights (especially if you have seen the body of evidence presented by the Jan. 6th Commission in their hearings). I just know that is what I have heard defenders of Trump say – all bullshit IMO, but like you, I am not a lawyer either. Given his inaction that day (not calling off the rioters for hours, not calling in the National Guard), and his plan to try to circumvent the certification of the election on Jan. 6th, I hope Jack Smith indicts him for this case too! All because he lied about the election being stolen and riled up his MAGA cult base into a frenzy. He is a sick, twisted and demented man.

  28. Zazzoo says:

    Billy Joel should sue for appropriation of his song lyrics. Just keep adding kindle to this bonfire.

  29. Lisa Meyrose says:

    And yet they still say he will never serve time! What’s up with that? If it was you or me we would already be in a jail cell! I say put him in jail and then we won’t have to worry about him anymore

  30. LBB says:

    And the indictment is out! 38 counts against Trump. Wow!

  31. AC says:

    38 counts !!!

  32. j.ferber says:

    I also believe that he will never serve time no matter what he is convicted of– and that he will probably have the right to run for President, too. There is something very, very wrong with our country and it needs to be fixed before we our democracy is overthrown.

  33. Theresa says:

    So he has another “first” under his belt…the first president to be indicted on federal charges. He thought he was above the law, and now finds out he is not…lol. He put this entire country, oiur military and intelligence personnel in danger. And these republicants are wasting taxpayer money trying to defend and stop all his legal troubles. Get rid of all of them.

  34. AC says:

    A lot of Republicans are sick minded if they’re OK for a POTUS to be above the law and try to possibly sell US highly confidential secrets to its enemies. Putting all American citizens including those GOP dimwits in danger of foreign attacks and putting our country at risk.
    They are extremely mental they still want to put Trump on the top of their ticket instead of going to prison for life .

    • Deering24 says:

      The Repubs _really_ want to be exiled to the political wilderness for a good three generations, looks like.

  35. j.ferber says:

    ArtFossil, I’m blowing you a kiss from New York (through the wildfire smoke from Canada).

  36. ML says:

    On the Daily Beast cheat sheet I just read that Ivanka (my mom was buried on a golf course for a tax break) Trump has disappeared herself in the wake of Daddy’s indictment. Possibly a very good sign that tfg is in serious trouble that might stick.

  37. Andie says:

    Electrocute him

    • Trillion says:

      Trust, if this were a democrat, there would be official calls for the death penalty