Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on 37 federal charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements. The indictment, unsealed Friday by Special Counsel Jack Smith, alleges that Trump, while in office, amassed a collection of sensitive materials, including hundreds of classified documents, which he stored in boxes at the White House and later transported to his Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump's valet and aide, Waltine Nauta, was also indicted on six federal counts.

The indictment details the nature of the classified information Trump allegedly retained, including data on U.S. and foreign defense capabilities, nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities to military attack, and plans for retaliation. The Justice Department asserts that the unauthorized disclosure of these documents could jeopardize national security, foreign relations, and the safety of the U.S. military. The indictment includes photos from Mar-a-Lago, purportedly showing the storage of these documents.

Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Trump on two occasions showed classified information to individuals lacking security clearances. In one instance, he reportedly shared a "plan of attack" with a writer, publisher, and two staff members at his Bedminster golf club. In another, he allegedly showed a classified map related to a military operation to a political action committee representative.

The indictment further claims that Trump attempted to obstruct the investigation by suggesting his attorney falsely represent to the FBI and grand jury that he did not possess the documents sought in a subpoena. He also allegedly directed Nauta to move boxes of documents to conceal them from investigators. The indictment depicts Nauta as Trump’s co-conspirator in these actions.

The specific classified information Trump allegedly retained included documents related to White House intelligence briefings on foreign countries, military capabilities, nuclear weaponry, and terrorist threats.

Trump has stated his intention to plead not guilty. This developing story continues to unfold, with significant legal and political implications.