Mark Meadows, the former White House Chief of Staff under Donald Trump, has begun to cooperate with Special Counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution team.
According to the New York Times, Meadows had at first declined to answer a grand jury’s inquiries, pointing to Trump’s executive privilege claims. However, after a challenge to these claims by Smith’s team, Meadows decided to provide details concerning Trump’s efforts to remain in office and issues related to the Mar-a-Lago documents.
The specific details of Meadows’ cooperation are not yet transparent. Sources indicate that he has countered Trump’s decision to “declassify” some national security papers after leaving office.
Meadows, while not indicted in the D.C. case, is facing conspiracy charges in Fulton County, Georgia.
Documents from Smith’s investigators have given Trump’s team insight into Meadows’ actions. Legal professionals speculate on possible immunity for Meadows due to his method of unofficial cooperation. George Terwilliger, Meadows’ lawyer, underscores the unbiased nature of witnesses, stating they serve to uncover the truth.
A court directive, after Meadows’ initial denial, made him give a full account without invoking any privileges.
In Georgia, Meadows pleaded the fifth when faced with accusations of participating in a false elector scheme. He’s aiming to move the Georgia case to a federal court, claiming immunity based on official roles.
Analysts anticipate that Meadows’ legal future may be determined by his status in the D.C. indictment.