Newly disclosed records from Jack Smith’s investigation suggest Donald Trump retained highly classified documents linked to his business interests, a claim strongly rejected by the White House.
Newly released records from former special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation suggest President Donald Trump retained highly classified government documents because they were linked to his business interests.
Evidence gathered by investigators indicated that Trump took top-secret materials when leaving the White House in January 2021, identifying what they viewed as a possible motive for holding onto the files.
A January 2023 memo from Smith’s office stated: “Trump possessed classified documents pertinent to his business interests — establishing a motive for retaining them. We must have those documents.” Lawmakers also cited claims that some files were so restricted only six officials could access them.
The White House rejected the allegations, saying, “It’s pathetic that Democrats with zero credibility like Jamie Raskin are still clinging to deranged Jack Smith and his lies in 2026.”