House Democrat unveils plan to keep classified docs from Trump, Menendez

New Jersey Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill on Thursday announced legislation to prevent federal officials and candidates from receiving classified information if they have been charged with a range of crimes, a move that could impact New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and former President Donald Trump.

The Guarding the United States Against Reckless Disclosures (GUARD) Act would forbid the receipt of classified materials by individuals charged with unlawful retention of national defense information, acting as a foreign agent, obstructing an official proceeding, compromising U.S. national security, or unlawful disclosure or improper handling of classified materials.

"In public service there’s nothing more important than upholding the oath of office and protecting our national security. As a Navy veteran and former prosecutor, I have zero tolerance for any betrayal of the public trust, especially when it comes to classified information and our national security," she said in a press release. "That’s why I’m extremely concerned about recent charges against Donald Trump and his continued desire to access sensitive classified information, despite reckless actions, and serious criminal charges."

"Nobody is entitled or legally obligated to classified briefings – certainly not Trump, even if he is the Republican nominee for president," she continued. "This legislation is urgent and should be considered by both parties as a necessary step to protect intelligence and ensure sensitive information doesn’t get into the wrong hands."

Menendez has been charged with allegedly acting as a foreign agent of Egypt while Trump faces charges in special counsel Jack Smith's probe over his handling of classified materials and storage of documents at his Florida estate. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 37 counts in the Mar-a-Lago case.

Sherril's press release explicitly highlighted the litany of federal counts Trump faces, but did not mention Menendez, the Washington Times noted, who was hit with a superseding indictment earlier this month that included charges of bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice.

Menendez has refused to resign and plans to run as an independent in 2024. He did, however, step down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.