Former President Donald Trump is preparing to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) over the FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago property in August 2022. Trump’s legal team argues that the raid was part of “an unconstitutional process” and was “driven by political persecution.” Trump and his team are seeking $100 million in damages, according to a memo first obtained by Fox News.
The FBI raid was part of a broader federal investigation into Trump’s retention of classified documents. Following the raid, special counsel Jack Smith was appointed to lead the investigation, which resulted in 37 felony counts against Trump. The charges include willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements. Trump denied these allegations and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Recent developments brought a significant turn in the legal battle. In July, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Smith’s case against Trump. Judge Cannon ruled that Smith’s appointment and funding were unlawful, citing violations of the appointments clause in the Constitution.
In response, Trump’s attorney filed a notice to sue the Justice Department, according to the memo.
“What President Trump is doing here is not just standing up for himself—he is standing up for all Americans who believe in the rule of law and believe that you should hold the government accountable when it wrongs you,” the memo stated.
As of now, the Justice Department has declined to comment on the impending lawsuit.
