Trump shares US nuclear submarine information only to be shared again

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
6 Oct 2023 15:56

Former US President Donald Trump shared classified information with an Australian businessman who passed on details of the US nuclear submarines to 45 individuals, including six journalists.

Former President Donald Trump smiles before his speech at the California Republican Party Convention Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP)

Sensitive information regarding the US' nuclear submarine fleet was passed on to Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt allegedly through former US President Donald Trump approximately three months after having left the Oval Office, according to a new report by ABC broadcaster.

Pratt, who owns one of the world's largest packaging and paper companies, Pratt Industries, and a known member of Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, has been questioned by a federal prosecutor on the team of Special Counsel Jack Smith on two separate occasions throughout this year, the report noted.

According to ABC, Pratt had confirmed discussing the US submarine fleet with Trump during a gathering at the latter's Florida residence back in April 2021. The report explained that Trump had allegedly not only mentioned the exact number of nuclear warheads US submarines routinely carry but also clarified the mechanism used for these submarines to approach Russian submarines without detection.

According to the report, it was found that Pratt did not keep the information to himself. Instead, he shared it with at least 45 people, which included 10 Australian officials, six journalists, 11 company employees, and three former Australian Prime Ministers.

Donald Trump's civil fraud trial opens; business empire at risk

Donald Trump faces a new legal challenge as a civil fraud trial against him and his two sons commences in New York. This trial puts the former President's business empire at risk while he campaigns for a return to the White House amid four other pending criminal cases.

Judge Arthur Engoron has ruled that Trump and his sons committed fraud by overvaluing the Trump Organization's assets.

Trump has expressed his intention to attend the trial, scheduled to begin on Monday. "I'm going to Court tomorrow morning to fight for my name and reputation," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "This whole case is a sham!!!"

In addition to this civil case, Trump also faces several major criminal proceedings in the months ahead.

He faces charges in Washington for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and is set to appear before a federal judge on March 4.

After leaving office, Trump will face criminal charges related to hush money payments in a New York state court. Additionally, he is accused of mishandling classified documents in a Florida federal court.

Additionally, he will confront state charges in Georgia, where prosecutors accuse him of unlawfully attempting to influence the 2020 election results in his favor.