Former President Donald Trump allegedly disclosed potentially sensitive information about the US nuclear submarine program to Anthony Pratt, an Australian businessman, shortly after Trump left office, according to reports.
This conversation is believed to have occurred in April 2021 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Based on accounts from two individuals familiar with the matter, Trump, during this talk, unveiled essential tactical capabilities of US submarines. Specifically, he shared information on the number of nuclear warheads these submarines could hold and the proximity they can achieve near Russian submarines without being noticed.
Anthony Pratt, known to be a billionaire and a member of the Mar-a-Lago club, apparently did not keep this revelation to himself. Allegations suggest he relayed this sensitive data to multiple individuals, amplifying apprehensions about the nation’s security. The shared information is of such a magnitude that it could threaten the strategic edge of the U.S. nuclear fleet.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing an investigation into Trump’s management of classified papers, has expanded the inquiry to include this claim. This investigative process has already facilitated contact with Pratt.
In his discussions with authorities, Pratt stated Trump did not hand over any government-related documents to him during their April talk or at any point thereafter. Nonetheless, the probe hints that Pratt could be added to the extensive list of potential witnesses, surpassing 80, for Trump’s classified documents trial set for May in Fort Pierce, Florida.
While the allegations are serious, it’s unclear whether Trump’s intent was mere bragging during his dialogue with Pratt.
Joe Hockey, formerly the Australian ambassador to the U.S., has tried to diminish the weight of Trump’s purported revelations. He indicated that the information might not be novel, pointing to the joint defense initiatives between the U.S. and Australia.
However, certain past actions of Trump raise questions. Past incidents include him allegedly sharing classified intel with Russian representatives in a 2017 Oval Office gathering and posting sensitive photos of Iranian launch facilities on X. An additional charge has also been raised against Trump for allegedly displaying a confidential plan to assault Iran to guests at his New Jersey club.