Jack Smith 2023 Memo Tied Trump Classified Documents to Business Interests, Raskin Says Bondi DOJ Produced It
Rep. Jamie Raskin says the Justice Department under former Florida AG Pam Bondi produced to the House Judiciary Committee an FBI memorandum dated Jan. 13, 2023 that he describes as “damning,” alleging some classified documents retained by Donald Trump “would be pertinent to certain business interests,” which prosecutors viewed as evidence of motive and an “aggravated potential harm to national security,” and that the memo recounts an alleged June 2022 incident in which Trump showed a classified map to passengers on his private plane, with Susie Wiles cited as a witness. Raskin has sent Bondi eight follow‑up requests and demanded full production of remaining investigative files by April 14, 2026, accusing DOJ of “cherry‑picking,” while the White House defended Trump and DOJ did not immediately comment.
📌 Key Facts
- Rep. Jamie Raskin said the Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi produced to the House Judiciary Committee an FBI memorandum dated Jan. 13, 2023 that he called "damning" about Trump's handling of classified documents.
- Raskin quoted the memo as stating some classified documents Trump retained "would be pertinent to certain business interests," which prosecutors viewed as establishing a motive for retention and an "aggravated potential harm to national security."
- The memo allegedly describes a classified map Trump may have shown to passengers aboard his private plane on a June 2022 flight to his New Jersey golf club, saying Susie Wiles witnessed the incident; DOJ provided Congress a seating map of the aircraft but redacted passenger names.
- Raskin sent Pam Bondi eight specific follow‑up requests for more information and demanded that DOJ stop "cherry‑picking" and instead produce all remaining investigative files from the Smith probe by April 14, 2026.
- White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Raskin's claims, defended Trump saying he "did nothing wrong" and characterized prior prosecutions as "lawfare," while the Justice Department did not immediately comment.
📊 Relevant Data
Donald Trump made up to $160 million from international business dealings while serving as president of the United States, according to an analysis of his financial disclosures.
Trump made up to $160 million from foreign countries as president — Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
In just six months back in office, Donald Trump's company, the Trump Organization, has rolled out 12 new international business projects.
How Donald Trump has profited worldwide from his presidency — DW (Deutsche Welle)
A former Air Force intelligence officer stole thousands of classified documents and attempted to sell them to China, Iraq, and Libya, representing a historical case of mishandling classified information for personal gain.
Major Cases — FBI
The U.S. government classifies approximately 50 million documents a year, contributing to frequent mishandling incidents.
Not a Secret: Professor Hathaway Explains Classified Documents — Yale Law School
Mishandling classified information very rarely results in security clearance denial and revocation for average clearance holders.
Here's What Can Happen When the Average Clearance Holder Mishandles Classified Information — Government Executive
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Raskin says DOJ under Attorney General Pam Bondi produced to the House Judiciary Committee an FBI memorandum dated Jan. 13, 2023 that he calls 'damning' regarding Trump’s handling of classified documents.
- Raskin quotes the memo as stating that some classified documents Trump kept 'would be pertinent to certain business interests' and that prosecutors viewed that as establishing a motive for retaining them and an 'aggravated potential harm to national security.'
- The memo allegedly describes a classified map Trump may have shown to passengers aboard his private plane on a June 2022 flight to his New Jersey golf club, saying Susie Wiles witnessed the incident; DOJ provided a seating map of the aircraft to Congress but redacted passenger names.
- Raskin sent Bondi eight specific follow‑up requests for more information and demanded that DOJ cease 'cherry‑picking' and instead produce all remaining investigative files from the Smith probe by April 14, 2026.
- White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Raskin and defended Trump, saying he 'did nothing wrong' and portraying prior prosecutions as 'lawfare,' while DOJ did not immediately comment.