Prosecutors examined whether Trump disclosed classified map on plane after leaving office

Federal prosecutors examined whether President Trump disclosed a classified map to people aboard his private plane after leaving office, including to Susie Wiles, who is now his White House chief of staff, according to Justice Department materials presented to the House judiciary committee. The incident was documented in a January 13, 2023 briefing memo prepared for then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, roughly six months before special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with retaining classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. The disclosure of classified materials to unauthorized individuals could constitute a separate violation of federal law governing the handling of national defense information. Wiles witnessed the incident on the plane, according to files reviewed by lawmakers. The case highlights the overlap between the classified documents investigation and questions about Trump's treatment of sensitive material during the transition period after his first presidency.