Trump Search Warrant: FBI Removed Sensitive Documents From Mar-a-Lago

In a search of former US President Donald Trump's Florida resort this week, the FBI discovered top-secret files, according to documents. Agents allegedly removed 11 sets of documents, some of which had the marking "TS/SCI," which indicates that they included information that would have a "exceptionally grave" negative impact on US national security. Trump claimed the items were declassified and denied any misconduct.

It was the first time a former president's house had been searched for evidence in a case. The list of objects was released on Friday after a court unsealed a seven-page document that contained the search warrant for Trump's Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach. More than 20 cartons of papers, including a photo binder, a handwritten note, vague details regarding the "President of France," and a clemency petition composed on behalf of longtime Trump associate Roger Stone, were allegedly seized on Monday. The stockpile consists of four sets of top secret documents, three sets of "secret documents," and three sets of "confidential" information.

According to the order, FBI agents were investigating possible Espionage Act infractions, which make it unlawful to store or communicate potentially damaging national security material. It is against the law to remove any items or documents that are classified. While in power, Mr. Trump enhanced the penalties for the crime, which are now up to five years in jail. The search warrant specifies that storage areas and the "45 office" at Mar-a-Lago will be inspected, but not Trump and his staff's personal guest bedrooms. On Thursday, the justice department requested a judge to make it public, a move that is unusual given the ongoing investigation.

Three days before it was carried out on Monday, August 8th, it was allowed by a judge on August 5th. Friday evening, Trump's staff released a statement affirming that he had exercised his presidential authority. "He had a standing order that documents removed from the Oval Office and taken into the residence were deemed to be declassified," the statement said. "The power to classify and declassify documents rests solely with the President of the United States. "The idea that some paper-pushing bureaucrat, with classification authority delegated by the president, needs to approve of declassification is absurd." 

It is questionable if this defence would hold up in court, according to legal experts quoted in US media. According to lawyer and former justice department employee Tom Dupree, "Presidents can declassify information, but they have to follow a system." "Forms must be filled out by them. They must grant certain authorizations. These papers cannot simply be labelled as declassified. They must follow a procedure, but it's unclear whether it was followed in this case." President Joe Biden's administration, according to a spokeswoman for Trump, Taylor Budowich, "is in blatant damage control after their disastrous raid."

"Leaking lies and innuendos to try to explain away the weaponization of government against their major political opponent," claimed Budowich of the administration. Conservative allies of Trump have also denounced the raid as a political hit job as he mulls a 2024 presidential candidacy.