Former President Donald Trump used a significant portion of his speech in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Tuesday to lay out the legal defense his team is likely to take against an indictment brought by special counsel Jack Smith.
Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters and family members hours after pleading not guilty to 37 counts of charges linked to his handling of classified documents. He decried the indictment as a political hit job meant to derail his bid for the White House.
In outlining his defense, the former president particularly focused on the Presidential Records Act of 1987. Trump suggested that the act gives the president discretion to determine which records are personal and which are presidential, and, as a result, belong to the public.
While the documents Trump is being charged with illegally retaining do not fit the criteria to be personal records under the act, Trump referred to a 2012 district court ruling in a case concerning audio tapes former President Bill Clinton kept after leaving the White House. In that decision, Judge Amy Berman Jackson concluded that even though Clinton’s tapes should have been classified as presidential records and turned over to the National Archives, the national archivist had the power to reclassify them.
“Under the statute, this responsibility is left solely to the president,” Jackson wrote.
Trump had previously hinted at this line of defense, jokingly referring to the lawsuit by Judicial Watch as the “Clinton socks” case, because Clinton had kept the tapes of his interviews with historian Taylor Branch stored in a sock drawer. Unlike the Clinton tapes, the documents in Trump’s possession had classification markers. It remains to be seen how the former president’s defense team will construct their argument.
“Now just think of it, in other words, whatever documents the president decides to take with him, he has the right to do so. It’s an absolute right. This is the law,” Trump said.
In an indictment unsealed on June 9, the special counsel charged Trump with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information and six counts including conspiracy to obstruct justice, concealing documents, and false statements.
Trump pleaded not guilty to all of the charges during an appearance in federal court in Miami earlier on Tuesday. The presiding judge prohibited Trump from speaking to his co-defendant, Walt Nauta, about the case.
Trump also drew attention to the special counsel’s piercing of Trump’s attorney-client privilege to obtain the notes taken by his attorney, M. Evan Corcoran.
“What they did to lawyers, what they have done to our lawyers, our lawyers, all of our lawyers, they’ve done things that were absolutely horrible and unthinkable,” Trump said.
Shortly after leaving the courthouse, Trump returned to the campaign trail, stopping by a Cuban restaurant in Miami. A group of supporters prayed with the former president.
Jack Smith was appointed as the special counsel days after Trump announced his presidential candidacy in November last year. Trump has framed the investigation and the indictment that followed as a politically motivated attack meant to keep him from the presidential ballot in 2024.
The Biden White House declined to comment on the case. President Joe Biden has said that he learned of the indictment from the news media.
Democrats and Trump’s critics have challenged the notion that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has treated Trump unfairly. They point to the timeline of the case, which shows the government giving Trump several opportunities to turn in the records prior to the raid of Mar-a-Lago.
“But let’s not lie about his treatment by DOJ. They’ve been pretty deferential and slow and soft,” Rep. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) wrote on Twitter on June 13.
After detailing what may become his legal strategy, Trump pivoted to campaign rhetoric, covering topics including energy, the border, lowering taxes, and crime. He reiterated his promises to end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office and to “obliterate” the deep state. The former president delivered the speech from the stone patio of his golf club adorned with American flags, red-white-and-blue bunting, and a podium with his campaign logo.
Jack Smith was appointed as the special counsel days after Trump announced his presidential candidacy in November last year. Trump has framed the investigation and the indictment that followed as a politically motivated attack meant to keep him from the presidential ballot in 2024.
The Biden White House declined to comment on the case. President Joe Biden has said that he learned of the indictment from the news media.
Democrats and Trump’s critics have challenged the notion that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has treated Trump unfairly. They point to the timeline of the case, which shows the government giving Trump several opportunities to turn in the records prior to the raid of Mar-a-Lago.
“But let’s not lie about his treatment by DOJ. They’ve been pretty deferential and slow and soft,” Rep. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) wrote on Twitter on June 13.
After detailing what may become his legal strategy, Trump pivoted to campaign rhetoric, covering topics including energy, the border, lowering taxes, and crime. He reiterated his promises to end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office and to “obliterate” the deep state. The former president delivered the speech from the stone patio of his golf club adorned with American flags, red-white-and-blue bunting, and a podium with his campaign logo.
Article cross-posted from our premium news partners at The Epoch Times. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.