Trump Intends To Sue DOJ Over Mar-A-Lago Search
ForbesAug 21
Trump Suing DOJ Over Mar-a-Lago Search
Above: Former Pres. Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Former US Pres. Donald Trump is preparing to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) for $100M over the FBI's search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, which was part of the government's case over Trump's handling of classified documents.
A legal memo submitted by Trump attorney Daniel Epstein claims the DOJ and FBI are guilty of "tortious" acts against the former president that "are rooted in intrusion upon seclusion, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process."
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
It's difficult to sue the US government, but at least Trump's actions will once again shine a spotlight on the authoritarianism of the Biden DOJ. Trump has been facing politically motivated charges for years but none have legitimately stuck to him except in the Biden-friendly media. It's time for Trump to strike back.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump knows this is a far-fetched legal claim, and he'll probably never actually file the suit — he'll just use the appearance of one to fundraise and continue his false accusations about being politically persecuted. Despite Cannon's actions, legal scholars consider this case the most damning against the former president and it's not done yet.