The Justice Department has obtained new evidence in its investigation into former President Donald Trump’s removal of classified documents from the White House that may point to possible obstruction, according to a report by The Washington Post.
Citing sources familiar with the matter The Post reported that federal investigators now have evidence that could confirm that Trump attempted to impede the government’s efforts to recover sensitive documents from his Mar-a-Lago compound in Florida, or if he directed anyone to do so on his behalf.
The report states that “investigators have gathered evidence that Trump might have sifted through boxes of documents after he received a subpoena to return them, possibly to keep some of the files despite the order.”
The Post added that “the government has evidence the former president asked his lawyers for advice on how to keep the records he had in his possession, which could demonstrate his intent to do so.”
The Justice Department has also obtained the emails and text messages of Molly Michael, a former assistant who worked for Trump in the White House and at Mar-a-Lago during the documents episode, The Post reported, adding that “any case would hinge on investigators proving Trump intended to impede or obstruct the subpoena, which could prove difficult.”
Trump is already facing legal peril from multiple fronts. He was indicted last week in Manhattan for his role in a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels and also faces inquiries into his effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
