Trump to Sue DOJ for $100M Over Mar-a-Lago Raid, Alleging 'Political Persecution

Trump to sue DOJ for $100M over Mar-a-Lago raid, alleging 'political persecution.' Explore the details of this high-stakes legal battle

Former President Donald Trump is planning to sue the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for $100 million in damages over the FBI's 2022 raid on his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump and his legal team argue that the raid was conducted with the intent of "political persecution," violating established protocols and constitutional principles.

 

The raid, which took place on August 8, 2022, was part of a federal investigation into Trump's alleged improper retention of classified records. Following the raid, Special Counsel Jack Smith was appointed to lead the investigation, which resulted in 37 felony counts against Trump, including charges of willful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts. However, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Smith's case last month, ruling that Smith's appointment and the funding of his office violated the Constitution's Appointments Clause.

 

Trump's attorney, Daniel Epstein, has filed a notice of intent to sue the DOJ, alleging "tortious conduct" by the government. Epstein's filing claims that the FBI's raid on Mar-a-Lago involved "intrusion upon seclusion," "malicious prosecution," and "abuse of process." Epstein argues that the DOJ and FBI failed to follow established protocols, such as seeking Trump's consent for the search, notifying his attorneys, and involving the local U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also contends that the actions of Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray were politically motivated and intended to harm Trump.

 

The legal filing seeks $100 million in punitive damages, in addition to compensation for the $15 million in legal costs Trump incurred while defending himself. Epstein asserts that the raid and subsequent indictment were aimed at interfering with Trump's ability to run for office again, labeling the case as "election interference."

 

If the DOJ does not resolve the matter within 180 days, the case will proceed to federal court in the Southern District of Florida. The DOJ has declined to comment on the lawsuit.