Trump sues to block DOJ from reviewing materials FBI seized at Mar-a-Lago until watchdog appointed
Former President Donald Trump on Monday filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to appoint a special watchdog to review documents seized from his Florida home earlier this month as part of a criminal investigation of records that had been removed from the White House.
Trump’s lawsuit, which suggests the FBI raid was politically motivated, also asks the judge to block the Department of Justice from “further review of seized materials” from his Mar-a-Lago residence until the so-called special master is appointed to review those documents.
Special masters are appointed in criminal cases when there is a concern that some material seized by authorities should not be viewed by investigators because it is protected by attorney-client privilege or other concerns that weigh against it being used in a prosecution.
Trump’s suit accuses the federal government of violating his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
“Law enforcement is a shield that protects Americans. It cannot be used as a weapon for political purposes,” says the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
“Therefore, we seek judicial assistance in the aftermath of an unprecedented and unnecessary raid on President Trump’s home at Mar-a-Lago.”
The suit says that Trump “is the clear frontrunner” in both the 2024 Republican presidential primary and general election, “should he decide to run.”
“Politics cannot be allowed to impact the administration of justice,” the suit says.
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