FBI's Mar-a-Lago search warrant affidavit reveals how Trump may have compromised national security – a legal expert answers 5 key questions
The ConversationNov 26, 2022
DOJ Releases Redacted Mar-a-Lago Affidavit
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Image copyright: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images [via Axios]
The Facts
The US Justice Dept. (DOJ) on Fri. released a redacted version of the affidavit used to justify the Aug. 8 search of former Pres. Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The document, written by an unnamed FBI agent, says they had cause to believe Trump was still holding documents pertaining to "National Defense Information" and others "subject to record retention requirements."
The Spin
Republican narrative
The American public wanted to see the affidavit because of the unprecedented nature of the FBI raiding a former president's home, but all the DOJ did was show us pages of blacked-out lines. As for any new information, we now know the FBI combed through every inch of Trump's private residence and thought moving trucks were suspicious.
Democratic narrative
Given that these documents are almost always left sealed until charges are filed, the fact that any of the affidavit was publicized is surprising.Though the DOJ justifiably redacted the names of witnesses to protect them from potential retaliation, the affidavit still provided damning evidence against Trump.
