Trump Seeks $100 Million from Justice Department Over Mar-a-Lago Search

Donald Trump’s legal team has filed a $100 million claim with the Justice Department, accusing the FBI of conducting an improper search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022. This claim, submitted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleges that the search was damaging to Trump’s reputation and an extension of a broader narrative of persecution by the Biden administration.

The search at Mar-a-Lago, which followed months of attempts by the Justice Department to retrieve classified documents from Trump, was authorized by a federal judge. The investigation had gathered evidence suggesting that Trump was deliberately withholding documents despite requests from federal investigators and his own legal team. The search warrant was issued after extensive negotiations and was signed off by a judge in Florida.

In the claim, Trump argues that the FBI’s actions constituted “intrusion upon seclusion, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process.” He contends that the search, which uncovered unsecured national security records, was unjustified and led to significant personal and financial harm. Trump asserts that he had to spend tens of millions of dollars on legal defense and that the criminal charges brought against him subsequently were intended to damage his reputation and disrupt his 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump’s legal team maintains that the search was conducted inappropriately. They allege that Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray acted negligently by failing to seek Trump’s consent or inform his attorneys prior to the search. The claim also argues that Trump and his lawyers were caught off guard by the FBI’s actions.

The search resulted in nearly thirty criminal charges against Trump, including allegations of obstruction of justice and mishandling classified documents. However, a district judge dismissed the criminal case last month, ruling that the special counsel’s office was improperly funded and appointed. This decision has been challenged by the Justice Department, which is appealing to reinstate the case.

Trump’s legal claim underscores ongoing accusations of political bias and interference, themes that Trump and his campaign frequently highlight. Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, has framed the claim as part of a broader battle against alleged election interference and a politicized Justice Department.

While Trump’s claim seeks to hold the Justice Department accountable for damages, its success is uncertain given the judicial approval and extensive legal groundwork that preceded the search. The claim reflects broader tensions and ongoing legal battles involving Trump, his legal team, and the federal government.