Topline
Former President Donald Trump allegedly discussed potentially sensitive information about the U.S. nuclear submarine fleet with a member of his Mar-A-Lago club a few months after leaving the White House, ABC News reported, citing anonymous sources—the latest revelation about Trump’s alleged carelessness with classified documents and information post-presidency.
Donald Trump is pictured alongside Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, center, and Anthony … [+]
Key Facts
The member was Anthony Pratt, an Australian billionaire who allegedly later shared the secret information with at least 45 others, including 10 Australian officials, three former Australian prime ministers, 11 of his own employees and six journalists, according to ABC News’ sources.
In April 2021, after the Australian mused about how he believes Australia should buy U.S. submarines, Trump allegedly told Pratt exactly how many nuclear warheads U.S. submarines supposedly carry as well as exactly how close to a Russian submarine they can supposedly get without being detected.
Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel investigating Trump, reportedly learned about this during his investigation and prosecutors and FBI agents have reportedly interviewed Pratt twice.
Another witness reportedly heard Pratt share the information with someone else only minutes after Trump told it to him.
Pratt reportedly told investigators Trump never showed him any government documents.
Forbes has reached out to Trump’s office for comment.
Key Background
In June, Trump was indicted on 37 felony counts for his alleged mishandling of classified documents he took from the White House after he left office. Trump allegedly refused to return the documents after officials asked for them and attempted to deceive them while they were investigating where the documents had gone. The indictment alleged the classified documents in Trump’s possession included “defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack.” The indictment included evidence that Trump had allegedly been storing boxes of the documents in restrooms, ball rooms and other areas through the Mar-A-Lago estate that he owns and lives at. The indictment also alleges that Pratt isn’t the only one Trump shared sensitive information with. Trump allegedly showed classified documents with an unnamed author, two members of his staff (without proper clearance) and an aide working for his political action committee, according to the indictment.
Surprising Fact
Some of the Australian governmental officials Pratt allegedly shared the information with were actively negotiating with U.S. officials on a purchase of nuclear submarines. In March, Australian, U.S. and U.K. officials announced a deal in which Australia would purchase up to five Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. and U.K.
Forbes Valuation
We estimate Pratt to be worth $11.1 billion, making him the 163rd-richest person on Earth.
Further Reading
What Crimes Was Trump Charged With In Federal Documents Case? Here’s What To Know As DOJ Brings New Charges (Forbes)
Trump Tries To Delay Documents Trial Until After 2024 Election (Forbes)
After White House, Trump allegedly discussed potentially sensitive info with Mar-a-Lago member: Sources (ABC News)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/willskipworth/2023/10/05/trump-reportedly-gave-us-military-secrets-to-mar-a-lago-member-after-presidency/