CNNHouse Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan on Sunday fiercely defended Donald Trump against his federal indictment, repeatedly claiming that the former president had the ability to declassify documents at any time.
But Jordan repeatedly countered that saying he “could have” declassified material as president was not the same as saying he “didn’t” already declassify the material.
“He has said time and time again, he's declassified all this material,” Jordan said.
Trump is facing his first federal indictment for retention of classified documents and conspiracy with a top aide to hide them from the government and his own attorneys — a total of 37 counts.
According to the indictment, classified documents were allegedly kept at various places in Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, including a public ballroom, bathroom and bedroom.
Persons:
Jim Jordan, Donald Trump, “, CNN's Dana Bash, ” Jordan, Jordan, Trump, didn’t, he's, —, CNN's Daniel Dale
Organizations:
CNN, Sunday, Ohio Republican, Union, Justice Department
Locations:
Trump's Mar, Lago