Donald Trump had earlier this evening announced by email that the FBI was raiding his Mar-a-Lago home. “These are dark times for our Nation,” he wrote, “as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents.”
It was initially unclear exactly what the FBI wanted, but it has since been clarified. New York TimesA report has emerged indicating that it might have to do the White House’s removal of classified material.
According to two sources familiar with the investigation the focus of the search appeared to have been on documents that Donald Trump took to Mar-a-Lago (his private club and home) after his departure from the White House. According to someone familiar with the contents, those boxes held many pages of classified information.
For many months Mr. Trump waited to return 15 boxes of materials requested by National Archives officials. He only did so after there was a threat that action would be taken.
Trump was well-known throughout his tenure for ripping up government documents that were meant to be kept as archives.
This includes, according to Trump’s email, the FBI opening a safe at the residence. According to sources for POLITICO, the raid took “hours.”
Two sources familiar with the search said it was related to allegations that Trump allies improperly removed boxes of presidential records from the White House after leaving office — including some that may have included classified information. One of those sources said the raid took “hours.”
The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s offices in Washington D.C and for the Southern District of Florida didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington Justice Department spokespersons declined comment. Both the Secret Service and Palm Beach Police Department withheld comment from the FBI. According to two sources, top Biden White House officials weren’t given notice prior to the raid.
According to The, this is happening at a moment when the prosecutors look into several ways of going after former President. Times.
The reported search came at a time when the Justice Department has also been stepping up questioning of former Trump aides who had been witnesses to discussion and planning in the White House of Mr. Trump’s efforts to remain in office after his loss in the 2020 election.
Mr. Trump has been the focus of questions asked by federal prosecutors in connection with a scheme to send “fake” electors to Congress for the certification of the Electoral College.
It is not clear that the search was related to the January 6th riot at Capitol. However, the Justice Department recently increased its rhetoric regarding Trump and the violence surrounding that event.
(This is a breaking news story. We will keep you updated with any new developments.
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