Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) for $100 million, alleging malicious prosecution related to the 2022 raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The lawsuit claims that the DOJ's actions stem from a 'malicious accusation' and an abuse of process following the search conducted on August 8, 2022.

Trump's legal team argues that the raid was politically motivated, asserting it was intended for 'political persecution.'

The investigation into Trump led to 37 felony charges, including intentional retention of national defense information, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Federal investigators reportedly had evidence suggesting Trump was intentionally concealing documents, which resulted in a warrant approved by a federal judge.

Trump's defense contends that the decisions made by Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray violated constitutional principles rather than adhering to legal standards.

His legal team claims that the DOJ and FBI failed to follow proper protocols during the search, which should have included obtaining consent and informing Trump's legal counsel.

The lawsuit criticizes the DOJ's actions as unconstitutional and labels the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith as 'lawless.'

Trump's attorney, Daniel Epstein, argues that the prosecution has cost Trump tens of millions of dollars in legal fees and has significantly harmed his reputation.

As the Republican nominee for president, Trump could potentially pursue this lawsuit further if he wins re-election in November 2024, with the DOJ required to respond within six months.

The raid was part of an investigation into Trump's alleged improper retention of classified records, which his lawyers claim was politically motivated.

Legal experts have characterized Trump's lawsuit as a 'show lawsuit' that is unlikely to succeed, referencing previous unsuccessful legal actions following the 2020 election.