Donald Trump said he has not been told he will be indicted, as former spokesman testifies
The federal investigation into Donald Trump's handling of documents at Mar-a-Lago appears to be nearing an end.
- Taylor Budowich, a former spokesman for Trump and now head of MAGA Inc., confirmed he appeared before a federal grand jury but didn't detail the questions he faced.
- The revelation comes amid signals the investigation into classified documents at Mar-a-Lago may be winding down.
WASHINGTON – Donald Trump disputed news reports Wednesday that he is subject to indictment in the investigation of classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago, while a federal grand jury in Florida interviewed one of his former spokesmen in an apparent obstruction of justice investigation.
"No one has told me I’m being indicted, and I shouldn’t be because I’ve done NOTHING wrong," Trump said on his Truth Social website, amid reports that he has received a formal "target letter" from prosecutors.
Trump did not address whether he has received a formal letter, but said in his post that "I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI."
The New York Times reported late Wednesday that federal prosecutors informed Trump's legal team he is a target of the investigation into his handling of classified documents after leaving office, according to two unnamed sources.
One of Trump's supporters, Taylor Budowich, confirmed Wednesday he testified before a federal grand jury in Florida as part of the investigation.
Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide
“Today, in what can only be described as a bogus and deeply troubling effort to use the power of government to ‘get Trump, I fulfilled a legal obligation to testify in front a federal grand jury and I answered every question honestly,” Budowich said in a tweet. “I will not be intimidated by this weaponization of government.”
Budowich was a Trump spokesman when the documents dispute erupted early last year. He now heads Make American Great Again Inc. supporting Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
As news of Budowich's testimony broke, Trump blasted the multiple investigations he faces from the Justice Department, New York Attorney General Letitia James, New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg and in Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. In a Truth Social post, Trump said: "Wow, this is turning out to be the greatest & most vicious instance of ELECTION INTERFERENCE in the history of our Country."
The revelation comes amid signals Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation may be nearing an end:
- Former Vice President Mike Pence was cleared of wrongdoing last week for classified documents found at his Indiana home.
- Trump's lawyers arrived Monday for a meeting at the department, weeks after seeking information about Smith's inquiry.
- NBC News reported the grand jury resumed meeting this week.
What is the grand jury investigation about?
Federal authorities retrieved more than 300 classified documents from Mar-a-Lago last year, most under a June subpoena or during an FBI search in August. Prosecutors are believed to be investigating mishandling of the documents and alleged obstruction of justice for potentially hiding or moving them.
Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, said he had the right to keep the documents and that he declassified them, although authorities found no documentation to support that claim.
What happened Jan. 6?:A breakdown of the 187 minutes Trump was out of view on Jan. 6 as aides urged him to act
What happened with classified documents?Graphics: How Biden's case differs from Trump's classified documents seized at Mar-a-Lago
Trump's campaign released a new ad Wednesday arguing the investigations are intended to distract from President Joe Biden’s “incompetence.”
“Let’s get tainted radical-left prosecutors to charge him,” the narrator said, with pictures of former FBI Director James Comey, New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith and former special counsel Robert Mueller.
Comey and Mueller headed investigations associated with Trump's impeachment while president. Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records and a trial is scheduled in March.