Federal investigators have secured access to White House cell phone records, including a phone used by former President Donald Trump, in a move that could significantly impact the upcoming trial related to his alleged interference in the 2020 election.
Key Findings:
- Special counsel Jack Smith revealed that a witness examined Trump’s White House phone for usage data during the post-election period and could be called as an expert witness in the trial.
- The witness identified periods when Trump’s phone was unlocked and the Twitter app was open on January 6th, suggesting activity during the Capitol riot.
- Prosecutors also plan to call two additional expert witnesses who will use digital data to analyze the movement of the mob on January 6th.
Significance:
This court filing marks a significant development in the special counsel’s investigation. Accessing Trump’s phone records could provide crucial evidence about his actions and communications leading up to and during the January 6th attack.
Previous Scrutiny:
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This is not the first time Trump’s phone usage has been under investigation. Previously, internal White House records revealed a seven-hour gap in his official phone logs on January 6th, raising questions about potential missing calls during the attack.
Trump’s Response:
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has condemned the prosecution as politically motivated. His campaign spokesperson has declined to comment on the latest developments.
Trial Date:
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 4th, 2024. The new evidence regarding Trump’s phone records could have a significant impact on the proceedings.
Supreme Court Involvement:
Just hours before Smith’s filing, the Supreme Court agreed to expedite its consideration of a request from the special counsel. This request seeks to address a key question before the appeals court: whether Trump is immune from prosecution for actions taken while in office.
Uncertainties:
While the court filing provides new details about the investigation, it remains unclear how much information prosecutors have obtained from Trump’s phone records. Additionally, the Supreme Court’s decision on the issue of presidential immunity could have a major impact on the outcome of the case.
Overall:
The access to Trump’s White House phone records represents a major step forward in the special counsel’s investigation. As the trial date approaches, further developments and potential disclosures are likely to draw significant attention and influence public perception of the case.
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