The Case Against Donald Trump

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Federal prosecutors unsealed a 38-count indictment today accusing Donald Trump of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them.

Prosecutors released the clearest picture yet of the files Trump took with him when he left office. The indictment accuses the former president of illegally handling documents, including some sensitive material on America’s nuclear program and attack plans.

Trump knowingly showed classified documents to others, according to the indictment. In July 2021, Trump shared a highly sensitive attack plan against Iran with guests at his golf club in Bedminster, N.J. He was recorded on tape describing the material as highly confidential and secret, while admitting that it was not it has been declassified.

The 49-page indictment, handed up yesterday by a grand jury in Miami, marks the first time a former US president has faced federal charges. This puts the country in a unique position: Trump is not only the one-time commander in chief but also the current front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to challenge President Biden, whose administration will now condemn his potential rival of many felonies. .

After he was subpoenaed to hand over the classified documents, Trump allegedly told his lawyers: Wouldn’t it be better if we just told them we don’t have anything here? (Two of the Trumps’ lawyers have now resigned.)

The indictment also names one of Trump’s personal aides, Walt Nauta, as a co-conspirator who helped obstruct the investigation.

Shortly after the charges were released, Jack Smith, the special counsel bringing the case, made a rare public statement defending the importance of a prosecution and insisting that he had sought a speedy trial.

We have a set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone, Smith said.

On Tuesday, Trump, who continued to rail against Smith and the indictment, calling it the biggest witch hunt of all time, is expected to surrender to authorities in Miami.

US winds are improving, but fires continue in Canada

Residents in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and surrounding areas are now breathing more comfortably. After several days of dangerously polluted air, weather reports from much of the Eastern US showed improving conditions today.

But in Canada, hundreds of wildfires continue to burn out of control across the country, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people in Quebec alone. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned Canadians to prepare for a severe wildfire season that could worsen as the heat intensifies. It’s a scary time for a lot of people, he said.

For more: My colleague Somini Sengupta explores the question facing many climate experts this week: Will this be the new normal?

Russia receives more military aid from Iran

Iran is helping Russia build a factory to produce attack drones on Russian soil, according to American intelligence that has now been declassified. Moscow has repeatedly used Iranian-made drones to attack Ukraine in recent months, including strikes on civilian targets and energy infrastructure.

The Biden administration has announced another arms package for Ukraine, this one worth $2.1 billion and focused on vital air defense systems.

On the front line: We’ve highlighted the areas where Ukraine has launched counter-offensives.

More top news

Britain: Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned his parliamentary seat after receiving a confidential report from a committee investigating whether he lied about parties breaking the lockdown.

Law enforcement: The FBI is investigating a spying operation based in Wyoming that aims in 2020 to infiltrate organizations deemed a threat to Donald Trump’s agenda in order to sabotage them.

Health: The nonprofit hospital chain Allina Health said it will stop withholding care from patients with unpaid bills while it reevaluates the policy.

Investigations: Nate Paul, a businessman at the center of the impeachment case against Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, has been charged with making false statements to financial institutions.

Crypto: The founders of the Three Arrows cryptocurrency hedge fund that collapsed last year are still living comfortably, surfing, meditating and traveling the world.

Weddings: A major jeweler reported fewer sales of engagement rings this year due to aftershocks from the coronavirus pandemic. Marriage trends are tied to several economic forces.

Tax breaks: Energy companies are frustrated by new requirements for some of the credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act that will make them difficult if not impossible to use, at least in the near term.

The Tonys could help Broadway bounce back

After flirting with cancellation during the writers strike, the Tony Awards will be presented on Sunday to celebrate Broadway’s best shows and brightest stars. More than just an awards show, the event drives ticket sales for winning performances.

Its especially important this year because Broadway is still hurting, Michael Paulson, our theater reporter, said. Audiences are about 17 percent below where they were in the last full season before the pandemic.

The battle between the tennis heavyweights ended with a whimper

On the beautiful clay canvas at Roland Garros, the French Open semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz was a match for the ages as one of the best players against the No. 1-ranked 20-year-old wonder. But two hours or so later, leg cramps overcame Alcaraz, giving Djokovic an easy route to Sunday’s finals, where he will play for a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam singles title.

On the women’s side, tomorrow’s finals are less compelling: Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1, will be up against Carolina Muchova, whose skill, athleticism and talent have earned her rave reviews from fellow players.

Bath time just got better

Much less expensive than a pool and more private than a hot tub, an outdoor bathtub combines two common desires: a backyard water feature and a place to soak.

These days, people who put bathtubs in their yards are usually looking for self-care, not hygiene. The therapeutic benefits of spending time in, or near, nature are well known, from modern studies of public green spaces to the Finnish tradition of placing saunas within forests. Just a good reminder to be in the moment and relax and enjoy where you are, says one outdoor bather.

Have a relaxing weekend.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back on Monday. Matthew

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