Trump Sues DOJ for $100M Over Mar-a-Lago Raid, Claims Political Persecution and Malicious Prosecution

August 12, 2024
Trump Sues DOJ for $100M Over Mar-a-Lago Raid, Claims Political Persecution and Malicious Prosecution
  • 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.

Summary based on 10 sources


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