Trump Intends To Sue DOJ Over Mar-A-Lago Search
ForbesAUG 21 2024
Trump Suing DOJ Over Mar-a-Lago Search
Trump Suing DOJ Over Mar-a-Lago Search
Above: Former Pres. Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Former US Pres. Donald Trump is preparing to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) for $100M over the FBI's search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, which was part of the government's case over Trump's handling of classified documents.
A legal memo submitted by Trump attorney Daniel Epstein claims the DOJ and FBI are guilty of "tortious" acts against the former president that "are rooted in intrusion upon seclusion, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process."
Epstein also claims special counsel Jack Smith's indictment was "lawless" and the DOJ's process was "unconstitutional." Besides the $100M in punitive damages, Trump could seek $15M to cover his legal fees spent on defending himself during the probe.
The Spin
It's difficult to sue the US government, but at least Trump's actions will once again shine a spotlight on the authoritarianism of the Biden DOJ. Trump has been facing politically motivated charges for years but none have legitimately stuck to him except in the Biden-friendly media. It's time for Trump to strike back.
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