Former President Donald Trump is gearing up for a legal battle against the federal government over the FBI’s search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022.
Trump’s legal team plans to sue for $100 million, claiming the raid was an attempt to derail his 2024 presidential bid.
The lawsuit will allege invasion of privacy, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process by federal authorities.
This move comes in response to the unprecedented search of Trump’s Florida home, which took place about a year and a half after he left the White House.
“President Trump believes the entire special counsel investigation was about interfering with his ability to get elected,” said Daniel Epstein, one of Trump’s lawyers.
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The raid led to Attorney General Merrick Garland appointing Jack Smith as special counsel to investigate Trump’s handling of classified documents.
However, the case hit a roadblock last month when Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed it, ruling that Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.
This is why Trump plans to sue the DOJ over the Mar-a-Lago raid for at least $100 million. But when can he sue? Three months after the election, about six months from today. pic.twitter.com/ee3t5EtFFR
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) August 12, 2024
Trump’s team argues that the FBI broke from standard procedures by not notifying Trump or his lawyers before the search.
The FBI counters these claims, stating, “The FBI followed standard protocol in this search as we do for all search warrants.”
The bureau admitted that the Biden administration had authorized the “use of deadly force” during the raid, describing this as part of their usual procedures.
Trump’s lawyers point to internal FBI emails that allegedly show agents questioning whether they had enough evidence to justify the search.
Donald Trump to sue the DOJ for $100M over the 2022 Mar-a-Lago raid, claiming political persecution. Attorney Daniel Epstein says Trump is standing up for all Americans. This comes after Judge Cannon dismissed Jack Smith’s case against Trump. #Trump #DOJ #MarALago pic.twitter.com/36u46yEqjy
— RRN (@RRNmedia) August 12, 2024
They also cite concerns raised by Steven D’Antuono, former assistant director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, about the handling of the case.
The legal team argues that as a former president, Trump should have immunity regarding his handling of classified documents.
They also contest the legality of Smith’s appointment as special counsel.
The government now has six months to decide whether to settle Trump’s claim.
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If no agreement is reached, Trump can move forward with the lawsuit.
