The Missing Mar-a-Lago Documents

 

 

Trump- appointed judge Aileen Cannon (the one deciding on whether a Special Master should redundantly review the seized Mar-a-Lago documents that have already been reviewed by the FBI and intelligence agencies) has ordered the inventory of those documents released.  The inventory itself is revealing, but shockingly (?), as Marcy Wheeler details, nearly 90 folders marked classified or sensitive information are empty:

As you read the more detailed inventory unsealed by Judge Aileen Cannon, keep in mind that Trump is under investigation not just for unlawful retention of classified documents, but also under both 18 USC 2071 and 18 USC 1519, for concealing documents and (under just 2071) for removing them.

And one of the most notable details about the inventory (aside from the fact that the Roger Stone pardon is classified Secret) is the number of empty folders:

• Item 2: The leatherbound box, containing news clippings dated 1/2017 to 10/2018
  • 43 empty folders with CLASSIFIED banners
  • 28 empty folders labeled Return to Staff Secretary/Military Aide
• Item 15: Box A-28, containing news clippings dated 10/2016 to 11/2018
  • 2 empty folders labeled Return to Staff Secretary/Military Aide
• Item 18: Box A-35, containing news clippings dated 1/2018 to 12/2019
  • 2 empty folders labeled Return to Staff Secretary/Military Aide
• Item 23: Box A-39, containing clippings dated 11/2016 to 6/2018
  • 8 empty folders labeled Return to Staff Secretary/Military Aide
• Item 25: Box A-41, containing clippings dated 10/2016 to 11/2017
  • 1 empty folder with CLASSIFIED banners
• Item 33: Box A-33 (includes potentially privileged documents), containing clippings dated 2/2017 to 2/2018
  • 2 empty folders with CLASSIFIED banners
  • 2 empty folders labeled Return to Staff Secretary/Military Aide

All told, then, there are 46 empty CLASSIFIED document folders and 42 empty “Return to Staff Secretary/Military Aide” folders. Each of those is a highly sensitive — and now potentially missing — document.

As Wheeler implies, it's prima facie evidence of concealing and/ or removing documents under 18 USC 2071 and 18 USC 1519.  (How about obstruction of justice?)   That's all bad enough.  But, more importantly, where the hell are the documents that belonged in those folders?  What unauthorized people have seen them or possess them? Have they already been monetized by the treasonous Malignant Loser?  What lives may have been put at risk?

What's the proper response to someone who has been and still is a threat to our national security? (rhetorical question)

(Photo: Department of Justice)