The time has arrived
Trump was told via letter that he is the target of a criminal investigation. As Politico reported, this put Trump on notice that the special prosecutor was close to deciding whether to charge. According to CNBC: “Targets are people who prosecutors believe committed a crime. Targets often end up being indicted.” Both outlets were right.
This is where Trump’s sheer stupidity was on display. Had he returned the documents when asked, he would not be in his current position. Instead, he tried to conceal or otherwise prevent the government from getting the documents back. He must have had some nefarious plans in mind. Otherwise, why not simply return the documents? Politico called Trump’s actions “orchestrating a scheme.” It’s hard to scheme when you’re not very bright; common sense would tell anyone to give the documents back. Not Trump, who often referred to the documents as “mine.” What a silly fool, and his foolishness has gotten him into some very hot water.
Trump posted on his Truth Social: “I have been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday, at 3 PM.” Who needs the media when you have Trump giving out all the news? You can’t always believe Trump, but late Thursday, ABC News reported that he was asked to report because he is being indicted. His “appearance” on Tuesday is his arraignment. ABC News discussed the ramifications as it relates to Trump’s continued run for president. As we at Palmer Report have mentioned earlier, there is no Constitutional rule against an alleged criminal running for office while he is under indictment. If, however, he is in federal prison when the primary happens, he should be out.
Trump can say what he wants about Jack Smith, but the man has been the epitome of professionalism. He refused to even look at reporters, let alone answer their questions, and even as this news was breaking last night, we heard nothing from Smith. Donald Trump should be afraid. Pierre Thomas spoke during ABC News’ breaking segment, and he said that this will be a “speaking indictment,” speculating that Smith will appear to read the charges. According to ABC News, there are seven charges, though the only charges they specifically mentioned were conspiracy, willful retention, and obstruction. The conspiracy charge is telling, as it means that others will likely be indicted as well.
Obviously, there is still much that we don’t know, but the first hurdle has been taken: Trump has been indicted. Keep in mind that this indictment relates only to the classified documents Trump stole. Smith is also looking at the criminality of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump, of course, is doing what he normally does-proclaiming his innocence and fundraising on being indicted yet again. It is sad that people continue to believe in this grifter and give him their hard-earned money; most of them likely have little to give. We can hope that as this case goes to trial and the evidence becomes public, some of them may wake up, but if they don’t, that’s on them.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years