The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has just released a heavily redacted version of the underlying affidavit that led to the raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
The affidavit, filed initially on August 5, purports to provide the necessary justification for issuing a warrant to recover allegedly classified or mishandled government documents.
“The government is conducting a criminal investigation concerning the improper removal and storage of classified information in unauthorized spaces, as well as the unlawful concealment or removal of government records,” the affidavit states.
Although most of the supporting information is redacted, the FBI special agent who wrote the affidavit repeatedly referenced the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) referral from February that asked the DOJ to investigate former President Trump for potential violations of the Presidential Records Act.
Watchdog organization Judicial Watch has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain the referral and all other communications between NARA and the DOJ concerning the ongoing Trump investigation.
The DOJ also released a “Notice of Filing of Redacted Memorandum,” which included the arguments it presented to Judge Bruce Reinhart about why the affidavit apparently needed certain sections redacted.
In the lead-up to the release of the affidavit, former President Trump posted to his Truth Social account, continuing his condemnation of the government’s actions.
“The political Hacks and Thugs had no right under the Presidential Records Act to storm Mar-a-Lago and steal everything in sight, including Passports and privileged documents,” Trump claimed.
He continued, “This Act was created for a very good reason, and it works. We are right now living in a Lawless Country, that just so happens to be, also, a Failing Nation!”
Immediately following the release of the redacted affidavit and notice of filing, Trump posted on his Truth Social page:
“Affidavit heavily redacted!!! Nothing mentioned on ‘Nuclear,’ a total public relations subterfuge by the FBI & DOJ, or our close working relationship regarding document turnover – WE GAVE THEM MUCH. Judge Bruce Reinhart should NEVER have allowed the Break-In of my home. He recused himself two months ago from one of my cases based on his animosity and hatred of your favorite President, me. What changed? Why hasn’t he recused himself on this case? Obama must be very proud of him right now!”
Despite the major redactions, the affidavit contains some additional information concerning the alleged probable cause used to recover the documents in question.
The Dallas Express will monitor the situation as it continues to unfold.
See our previous coverage concerning the raid, the warrant, the Presidential Records Act, and the ongoing legal debate concerning presidential declassification powers.
