In what CNN described as “a secret dispute,” attorneys for Donald Trump and the government officials in charge of the Mar-a-Lago papers were seen leaving a confidential hearing with Chief Judge Beryl Howell at the federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.
CNN reports that the development is a sign that the investigation into the secret papers Trump brought to Mar-a-Lago from the White House at the end of his term is progressing.
“Though Trump’s challenges to the search and seizure of Mar-a-Lago in August have been before judges in Florida, a federal grand jury in Washington, DC, appears to be handling the criminal investigation into obstruction of justice and mishandling of records, including national security secrets,” CNN’s report stated.
“Close Trump adviser Kash Patel, who is designated to work with his records post-presidency, previously appeared before this grand jury two weeks ago and took the Fifth Amendment, declining to answer questions, another sign of prosecutors continuing to build their case,” according to CNN.
According to CNN, the development might be connected to the DOJ’s intentions to carry out a second search at Mar-a-Lago.
The new discovery is the latest indication that prosecutors are trying to forward their inquiry into how papers from Trump’s presidency were handled after he left office.
The reason why Trump’s attorneys were in the courts was not disclosed to reporters who were present.
Despite the fact that a federal grand jury in Washington, DC, appears to be in charge of the criminal investigation into obstruction of justice and improper handling of records, including national security secrets, Trump’s challenges to the search and seizure of Mar-a-Lago in August have been heard by judges in Florida.
Close Trump aide Kash Patel, who will deal with the president’s records when he leaves office, had testified before this grand jury two weeks ago and took the Fifth Amendment, CNN reported. This is another indication that the prosecution is continuing to strengthen its case.
