Grand Jury Indictment

Trump Indicted on 37 Counts by Manhattan Grand Jury

Former President Could Face Charges of Willful Retention of National Defense Information

Indictment Marks Historic First for a Former U.S. President

New York City, August 1, 2023 - In a historic development, a Manhattan grand jury has indicted former President Donald Trump on 37 counts, including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information. The indictment, unsealed Friday afternoon, stems from an investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents after leaving office. "This is a significant development in the ongoing saga of the national defense information probe," said CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin. "If these charges are proven, Trump could face serious consequences." Grand Jury Indictments A grand jury indictment is a formal document that accuses a defendant of a crime. In the federal system, grand juries are composed of 16 to 23 members, and at least 12 must concur in an indictment before it can be issued. Trump's indictment was the culmination of a lengthy investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The investigation focused on whether Trump had illegally retained classified documents after leaving office. Charges and Potential Penalties The 37-count indictment against Trump includes 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information, as well as counts of obstruction of justice, destruction of records, and making false statements. If convicted on all charges, Trump could face decades in prison. Historic Implication The indictment of a former president is unprecedented in U.S. history. No former president has ever been charged with a crime related to their handling of classified information. The indictment against Trump is a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their former position. It also highlights the importance of protecting classified information and the rule of law.