Veterans are appalled at security violations set out in the Trump indictment
By Gene Jones, President, Florida Veterans for Common Sense
As veterans we are appalled at the indictment of the MAGA leader that reveals violations of basic security protocols. Many of us have had the responsibility of working with classified information. In that regard, we were all aware of the consequences to our country of not following the rules to safeguard the information. In some cases, violations could result in compatriots’ deaths, or damage the national security.
Many of these documents are highly sensitive. They include 31 Confidential, 54 Secret, and 17 Top Secret documents. The Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Department of Energy, and Department of State Bureau of Intelligence and Research produced these documents. A veritable who’s who of U.S. Intelligence Agencies.
In addition, there are personal risks for not following the security rules. Long prison sentences await the lawbreakers.
Conclusion:
A grand jury has found that there is probable cause that the allegations of the indictment are true. If any of the indictment allegations are proved beyond a reasonable doubt, Trump should spend time in prison like any other lawbreaker who has put our national security at risk.
Read the full Trump indictment
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I agree, Gene, the indictment against former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through our nation, revealing a deeply troubling disregard for the safety and security of our defenders. The allegations suggest a catastrophic betrayal of trust, one that could potentially endanger the lives of countless individuals serving our country.
As the Commander-in-Chief, the President is privy to the nation’s most classified information. This privilege is accompanied by an immense responsibility to protect this information, as its misuse could have devastating implications for our national security. However, the indictment against Trump suggests a flagrant violation of this duty, with the former President allegedly exploiting this privilege for personal gain.
The indictment alleges that Trump not only shared a classified ‘plan of attack’ and a related military operation map but also retained highly sensitive documents after leaving office. This isn’t merely a breach of protocol; it’s a potential threat to the lives of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, and Marines who risk their lives to defend our nation.
Our nation’s information security infrastructure is complex, costly, and extensive for a reason. The potential risks associated with classified information becoming public are too significant to ignore. The alleged actions of the former President could potentially put countless lives at risk.
As a former Field Artillery Forward Observer (13F) and Civil Affairs Specialist (38B), I was entrusted with highly classified information. I upheld this trust for a decade, fully aware that any misuse of this information could severely compromise our national security. The danger lies not in the public knowing this information, but in it falling into the hands of our adversaries.
The alleged actions of the former President represent a profound betrayal of this trust. If any service member had committed such acts, they would likely face lifelong imprisonment. It’s a betrayal that hands our adversaries potential ammunition against us.
Our President, as our Commander-in-Chief, should be someone we can trust with the details of our military operations. The alleged actions of the former President have potentially put our military personnel — my comrades and friends — in unnecessary danger.
This issue transcends politics and legal technicalities. It’s about the safety and security of our nation and the brave individuals who defend it. We must hold those who endanger them accountable, regardless of their position or power. The alleged actions of the former President are not just a breach; they are an unforgivable betrayal of our nation and its defenders.
Chuck, Trump made a mockery of why we have state secrets. For him information that can literally cost people’s lives is apparently little more than grist for gossip.
I’m also a bit tired of pundits suggesting that the kind of information Trump kept in a Mara Largo bathroom in bunker boxes was somehow of little value is a propaganda canard. One designed to make very serious security breeches kinda ho-hum.
I do feel that the security status of far too much information has been exploited simply to provide CYA for a lot that under scrutiny would not be smiled upon by many Americans. The problem is that it is a devil in the details situation.
In any case I can only hope that Jack Smith will bring Trump to justice for these severe and dangerous breeches of security of national secrets.
Having served in the Air Force Security Service Command 59-62 I am astounded at the lack of vigilance by the National Archives and the branches of the Armed Forces.Who the hell in minding the store. Smith needs to connect the dots to the 2 Billion dollar “gift” to Jarod Kushner, who never had a security clearance.