Trump news – live: Prosecutors prepared to ask grand jury to indict Trump in classified documents case

The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict former president Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice as soon as Thursday, adding further weight to the legal baggage facing Mr Trump as he campaigns for his party’s nomination in next year’s presidential election. The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits “gathering, transmitting or losing” any “information respecting the national defence”. Mr Trump reacted to the news on Wednesday, saying “No one has told me I’m being indicted, and I shouldn’t be because I’ve done NOTHING wrong”. This comes as Mr Trump’s former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to several federal charges. A separate grand jury that is meeting in Florida has also been hearing evidence in the documents investigation. Meanwhile, the former president is facing more competition in his quest to return to the White House in 2024. Read More Prosecutors ready to ask for Trump indictment on obstruction and Espionage Act charges Trump reacts with fury at news of possible indictment in classified documents case: ‘I’ve done NOTHING wrong’ Trump has been indicted: Here are the other major lawsuits and investigations he is also facing