Former President Donald Trump heavily criticized President Joe Biden and the Department of Justice (DOJ) following the discovery of classified documents in his Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump’s response was sparked by recently unsealed court papers and his claims that the FBI was authorized to use lethal force during the operation.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed, “WOW! I just came out of the Biden Witch Hunt Trial in Manhattan, the ‘Icebox,’ and was shown Reports that Crooked Joe Biden’s DOJ, in their Illegal and UnConstitutional Raid of Mar-a-Lago, AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE. NOW WE KNOW, FOR SURE, THAT JOE BIDEN IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO DEMOCRACY. HE IS MENTALLY UNFIT TO HOLD OFFICE — 25TH AMENDMENT.”
The foundation of Trump’s allegations rests on an “Operations Order” which included boilerplate language on the use of deadly force. The FBI, however, has clarified that this language is standard protocol for all search warrants and does not indicate any special instructions for the Mar-a-Lago raid. The FBI emphasized in a statement, “The FBI followed standard protocol in this search as we do for all search warrants, which includes a standard policy statement limiting the use of deadly force. No one ordered additional steps to be taken and there was no departure from the norm in this matter.”
Further court documents revealed that additional classified materials were found at Trump’s property even months after the FBI’s initial search in August 2022. Judge Beryl Howell’s unsealed opinion detailed that four documents marked “classified” were discovered in Trump’s bedroom, questioning how such documents could be overlooked by the former president. “Notably, no excuse is provided as to how the former president could miss the classified-marked documents found in his own bedroom at Mar-a-Lago,” Howell wrote.
Trump’s incendiary comments have stirred significant controversy, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning Trump’s words in a floor speech. Schumer warned that Trump’s false suggestions of political opponents targeting him could incite violence and erode public trust in democratic institutions. “What Donald Trump said, falsely suggesting his political opponents are out to kill him, is beyond the pale and is the stuff that leads to political violence,” Schumer asserted.
Adding layers to the legal complexities, it was disclosed that Trump’s personal aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira were involved in moving boxes containing classified documents, further complicating the investigation. The DOJ has accused Trump and his associates of conspiracy to obstruct government efforts to retrieve the materials. Trump, Nauta, and De Oliveira have pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump’s retention of classified records has led to Trump facing 40 federal charges, including multiple counts under the Espionage Act.
The unsealed documents also include photographs showing Nauta moving boxes around Mar-a-Lago ahead of an attorney’s review for classified materials. The attorney, Evan Corcoran, was allegedly used as a “front man” to obstruct the government’s investigation according to Judge Howell’s ruling.U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has postponed the trial indefinitely, citing unresolved issues and the need for additional discovery under the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA).
Relevant articles:
– Trump lashes out after DOJ reveals classified documents were found in ex-president’s bedroom at Mar-a-Lago, The Independent, 05/23/2024
– Federal judge found ‘strong evidence’ of crimes before Trump was charged in classified documents case, CNN, 05/22/2024
– Trump highlights Biden admin authorizing ‘deadly use of force’ in Mar-a-Lago raid, Fox News, 05/21/2024
– Trump Claims Biden Allowed FBI To Use ‘Deadly Force’ In Mar-A-Lago Raid—Here’s Why That’s False, Forbes, 05/22/2024
– Trump falsely claims Biden, FBI had plan to assassinate him during Mar-a-Lago search, ABC News, 05/22/2024
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