Quick Hit:
Former President Donald Trump plans to sue the Department of Justice for $100 million, claiming that the 2022 FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate was part of a politically motivated attack against him. Trump's legal team argues that the raid violated his rights and was conducted without adherence to established protocols.
Key Details:
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Trump is preparing to file a lawsuit against the DOJ for $100 million, alleging that the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago in 2022 was a deliberate act of political persecution.
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U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon recently dismissed the special counsel's case against Trump, ruling that the prosecutor was unlawfully appointed and funded.
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Trump's attorney, Daniel Epstein, has issued a notice of intent to sue, giving the DOJ 180 days to resolve the issue before it heads to federal court.
Diving Deeper:
According to an exclusive report by Fox News, former President Donald Trump is set to launch a $100 million lawsuit against the Department of Justice. The lawsuit centers on the FBI's August 8th, 2022, raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate, which Trump's legal team argues was conducted with the express intent of political persecution. The memo, obtained by Fox News, accuses the DOJ of "tortious conduct" against Trump, asserting that the raid violated his constitutional rights and was executed without following standard legal protocols.
Trump's legal team, led by attorney Daniel Epstein, plans to sue the DOJ, highlighting what they describe as an abuse of power by Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray. Epstein contends that the raid on Trump's property was inconsistent with protocols typically followed when investigating former U.S. presidents, suggesting that the actions of the DOJ were politically motivated rather than grounded in legal necessity.
Epstein's filing points out several key violations, including "intrusion upon seclusion," "malicious prosecution," and "abuse of process." He argues that the decisions made by the DOJ and FBI during the raid were not in line with the constitutional principles they are sworn to uphold. Epstein also criticizes the DOJ for not seeking Trump's consent or notifying his legal team before the raid, a breach of protocol that he claims constitutes an invasion of privacy under Florida law.
Judge Aileen Cannon's recent dismissal of the special counsel's case against Trump further strengthens the former president's position. Cannon ruled that the special counsel, Jack Smith, was unlawfully appointed and that his office was improperly funded, violating the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. This ruling has been pivotal in shaping Trump's legal strategy, as Epstein argues that there was no constitutional basis for the raid or the subsequent indictment.
The Justice Department has yet to comment on the pending lawsuit. However, Epstein emphasized the broader implications of Trump's legal action, stating that the former president is not only defending his own rights but also standing up for all Americans who believe in the rule of law. Epstein warned that if the government can bypass protocols and pursue individuals based on political motivations, it could set a dangerous precedent that threatens the rights of every citizen.
Trump's legal team has issued a notice to the DOJ, giving the department 180 days to respond and potentially resolve the issue. If no resolution is reached, the case will move to federal court in the Southern District of Florida. Epstein also indicated plans to seek punitive damages, arguing that the DOJ's actions have caused Trump significant financial harm, with legal costs estimated at $15 million.