Former President Donald Trump has initiated a significant legal challenge against the Department of Justice (DOJ), filing a notice of intent to sue for $100 million over the August 2022 raid on his Mar-A-Lago estate.
According to a report by The Western Journal, Trump's legal team alleges that the DOJ violated established protocols and engaged in political persecution during the raid.
The notice gives the Justice Department 180 days to respond before the case proceeds to a U.S. District Court in Florida.
Trump's attorney, Daniel Epstein, stated that this action is not just about defending the former president but about standing up for all Americans who believe in the rule of law and government accountability.
Epstein claims that there is clear evidence of the FBI failing to follow protocols during the raid, suggesting an improper purpose behind the action.
He argues that if the government is allowed to target individuals they dislike, violate their privacy, and breach protocols for personal motives rather than justice, it sets a dangerous precedent for all Americans.
The filing against the Justice Department accuses Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray of acting in "clear dereliction of constitutional principles" and with "clear intent to engage in political persecution."
Trump's legal team contends that the raid and subsequent indictment should never have been approved, as the established protocol for dealing with former presidents involves non-enforcement means to obtain records.
According to the filing, Garland and Wray deviated from standard procedures by not seeking consent from Trump, notifying his lawyers, or seeking cooperation before conducting the raid.
Trump's legal team characterizes the classified documents case as "very accurate and precise election interference." They argue that the entire special counsel investigation was aimed at interfering with Trump's ability to run for office again.
The filing also references a recent Supreme Court ruling granting presidents immunity for their official actions. Based on this ruling and Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the prosecution on grounds that the Special Counsel's appointment violated the appointments clause, Trump's attorneys argue that there was no constitutional basis for the search or the subsequent indictment.
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon has thrown out the classified document case, citing the improper appointment of special prosecutor Jack Smith. The Justice Department is currently appealing this decision.
The lawsuit filed by Trump against the DOJ marks a significant escalation in his legal battles. It challenges the legitimacy of the Mar-A-Lago raid and subsequent legal actions taken against him. The former president's team argues that the DOJ's actions were politically motivated and violated established protocols for dealing with former presidents. As this case unfolds, it may have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the executive branch and law enforcement agencies and for the conduct of investigations involving high-profile political figures.
