During the search, the FBI seized documents in the former US President’s residence.
(Photo: Reuters)
After the US Federal Police FBI searched his property, former US President Donald Trump wants to file a lawsuit to have a neutral auditor appointed. He should see the documents secured during the operation in Mar-a-Lago in Florida two weeks ago – at the same time the examination by state investigators should be stopped by then, according to a complaint filed by Trump’s lawyers in Florida on Monday.
Trump’s defense attorneys argue that the seized documents may be protected by the US President’s executive privilege: “This matter has drawn the attention of the American public. Merely “appropriate” safeguards are unacceptable when the matter at hand involves not only President Trump’s constitutional rights but also the preservation of the enforcement of privileges,” the document reads. Executive privilege is the President’s prerogative to keep certain information secret.
During a search of Trump’s property, the FBI found and confiscated, among other things, sets of documents classified as top secret. Trump had argued that he released the documents at the time. Incumbent presidents do have far-reaching powers to lift secrecy. But for the release of documents there is a formal procedure with several highly official steps. The search caused a stir in the United States and accusations from Trump supporters that the Justice Department was attacking Trump for political reasons.
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