Former U.S. prosecutor accused of passing on classified documents in the Trump case
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged former federal prosecutor Carmen Lineberger with the unlawful removal of government records. The documents in question are related to the investigation into Donald Trump’s handling of classified information, which was previously led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. According to the investigation, she allegedly sent these materials disguised as “cake recipes.”
This was reported by the NYT.
This is noted in the grand jury indictment filed with a Florida court. Lineberger previously served as an executive assistant to the federal prosecutor in Fort Pierce—the very location where the case involving Trump’s classified documents was being handled.
Investigators allege that the former prosecutor violated Judge Eileen Cannon’s January 21, 2025, order prohibiting the distribution of Jack Smith’s final report in this case. According to the prosecution, Lineberger forwarded an internal memo and a report—presumably the special counsel’s final document—to her personal email address.
To conceal the contents of the files, she allegedly renamed them “chocolate cake recipe” and “bundt cake recipe.” Court documents indicate that the emails were sent in September and December of last year. However, investigators do not allege that Lineberger shared these documents with others.
The case against the former prosecutor is being called a new phase in a politically charged trial that effectively stalled after Judge Eileen Cannon dismissed the case against Trump, and federal prosecutors abandoned attempts to reinstate the charges following his return to the White House.
The indictment came amid sweeping personnel changes at the U.S. Department of Justice following Trump’s return to power. According to U.S. media reports, the department fired dozens of lawyers who had been working on the investigation into classified documents, the case regarding the events of January 6, 2021, and other proceedings related to the storming of the Capitol.
The indictment also notes that the Trump administration has recently taken steps to support its political allies who were previously under investigation or prosecution. In particular, the Department of Justice announced this week the creation of a $1.8 billion fund to provide payments to the president’s allies. Part of this agreement is also expected to include the termination of tax audits involving Trump, members of his family, and his businesses.
On Wednesday, May 20, Carmen Lineberger appeared in court in West Palm Beach, Florida. The day before, she was formally charged with several counts.
The main charge relates to “destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations.” This specific charge is linked to the renaming of files. Under this charge, the former prosecutor faces up to 20 years in prison. In addition, she is charged with two counts of theft of government property, as well as concealing, removing, or damaging government documents.
Jack Smith’s final report on the case involving Trump’s classified documents remains classified and has not yet been made public. Two civil society organizations have been trying for several months through the courts to secure its release, but Trump’s lawyers and representatives of the Department of Justice insist that the document must remain classified.
Trump threatened Iran with consequencesif the peace deal falls apart — Reuters.
Iran has outlined sixdemands for a peace deal with the U.S. — Sky News.
As a reminder, Washington presented Tehran with five conditions for resuming dialogue, including the transfer of 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to the U.S. In return, the U.S. is also insisting on a series of additional restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and a cessation of hostilities.
Earlier, Trump announced the continuation of the military campaign against Iran
