Former President Donald Trump has vehemently denied allegations that he disclosed confidential information to Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt, labeling the reports as “Fake News.” This latest statement is in response to a leaked story by The New York Times. Trump criticized Jack Smith and the Department of Justice under President Biden.
“The Failing New York Times story, leaked by Deranged Jack Smith and the Biden “Political Opponent Abuser” DOJ, about a red-haired weirdo from Australia named Anthony Pratt, is Fake News,” he wrote.
The controversy stems from a report by ABC in early October, suggesting that Trump had shared sensitive information about nuclear submarines with a member at Mar-a-Lago and that the member then passed along the information to others. Follow-up reports by The New York Times and 60 Minutes Australia identified Anthony Pratt as the individual in question, alleging that special counsel Jack Smith had interviewed him in relation to a case accusing Trump of mishandling classified documents.
Pratt, considered one of Australia’s wealthiest individuals, reportedly paid a million dollars—200 times the standard ticket price—to attend a New Year’s Eve gala at Mar-a-Lago and has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s reelection. During his interactions with the prosecution, Pratt claimed that Trump shared details of his conversations with world leaders and sensitive information about submarines while also strongly criticizing Trump’s ethical conduct.
A spokesperson for Trump did not deny the content of Pratt’s interviews but stated that the quotes were taken out of context. On Truth Social, Trump refuted Pratt’s claims, stating that he never discussed submarines with him but focused on job creation in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He emphasized his commitment to fostering a strong economy. He said, “I’m all about – JOBS, A GREAT ECONOMY, LOW TAXES, NO INFLATION, ENERGY DOMINANCE, STRONG BORDERS, NO ENDLESS WARS, LOW INTEREST RATES, and much more!” Trump also criticized The New York Times for not seeking his comment on the story, accusing the publication of spreading misinformation.
The legal case against Trump, which includes allegations of mishandling classified documents, is scheduled for trial in May 2024. Trump’s legal team seeks to delay the trial until after the presidential elections. The former president has pleaded not guilty to 40 counts related to the case, asserting that he had declassified the documents in question and had the right to possess them under the Presidential Records Act.
In addition to this case, Jack Smith is also prosecuting Trump for his actions challenging the results of the 2020 election. Trump has announced his intention to seek a change of venue for the trial, citing safety concerns and the belief that he cannot receive a fair trial in Washington, D.C. He has also requested that Judge Tanya Chutkan recuse herself from the case, accusing her of bias. The gag order by Chutkan was temporarily lifted, allowing President Trump’s legal team time to appeal the order permanently.