Judge Howell’s Ruling Could Have Major Implications for Investigation into Former President Donald Trump’s Handling of Classified Records

A U.S. District Judge in Washington, D.C. has ruled that former President Donald Trump may have committed a crime through his attorneys, according to a source briefed on the proceedings. Judge Beryl Howell ruled in favor of applying the “crime fraud” exception, which would let prosecutors sidestep protections afforded to Trump lawyer Evan Corcoran through attorney-client privilege.

The ruling comes as a result of a federal grand jury subpoena issued to Corcoran, ordering him to provide information about his communications with Trump in its investigation into possible mishandling of documents with classified markings found at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

Trump has maintained his innocence and denied all allegations, but Judge Howell’s ruling could force Corcoran to appear before the grand jury on Friday to testify about notes and exchanges with his client. The ruling is not a judgement on Trump’s guilt or innocence, but rather a decision about whether his attorney can be compelled to testify.

Special counsel Jack Smith’s office presented sufficient evidence to establish that former President Donald Trump committed a crime through his attorneys, according to the source. It is unclear what evidence was presented, but the ruling could have major implications for the investigation into Trump’s handling of classified records.

The ruling is the latest development in the ongoing investigation into Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents. It remains to be seen how the ruling will affect the investigation, and whether it will lead to any further legal action against the former president.