A recently surfaced audio recording of former President Donald Trump has ignited a media firestorm, raising questions about his handling of classified documents. The recording, obtained by CNN, appears to capture Trump discussing a sensitive document with individuals lacking security clearance, seemingly contradicting his prior denials.

While a partial transcript was released earlier, the audio adds a new dimension to the story, including the sound of paper rustling. This revelation comes as Trump leads the race for the 2024 Republican nomination.

The leak of this recording from the Justice Department raises concerns about the integrity of the investigation, with some alleging an improper attempt to sway public opinion against Trump. The former president himself has condemned the leak on Truth Social, labeling it an "election interference scam." However, his claim that the recording exonerates him is debatable.

The recording captures a conversation at Trump's Bedminster golf club in 2021 with a writer, a publisher, and two aides. Trump seemingly attempts to shift blame for a potential attack on Iran to General Mark Milley, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The conversation includes references to "highly confidential, secret" information and a moment where Trump apparently displays papers to the group, followed by laughter.

This new evidence challenges Trump's previous assertions about the nature of the documents he retained after leaving the White House. His claim that they were merely news clippings is contradicted by his own words on the recording. The tape also includes a joke about Hillary Clinton's email controversy.

The audio recording presents a compelling piece of evidence in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Trump's handling of classified documents. The weight of this evidence and its impact on a potential jury remains to be seen.