After the FBI searched his property, former US President Donald Trump applied for the appointment of a neutral examiner. He should see the documents secured during the mission two weeks ago in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. In a complaint filed by his attorneys in federal court in West Palm, the 76-year-old demands that the investigation by state investigators should be stopped by then.
In sensitive cases, a so-called special master can be appointed under US law to inspect seized material and ensure that investigators cannot see confidential information. Trump’s defense attorneys argue that the seized documents may be protected by the US president’s executive privilege. This is the right to keep certain information secret.
During the raid, the FBI found and confiscated sets of documents classified as top secret. Trump had argued that he had previously released the documents. 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.
Trump’s lawyers are demanding that a neutral special representative investigate the confiscated documents.
(Photo: Jon Elswick/AP)
The search caused a stir in the United States and accusations from Trump supporters that the Justice Department was attacking Trump for political reasons. “Politics must not have any influence on the administration of justice,” says Trump’s lawsuit, who himself has repeatedly described the raid as politically motivated. “Law enforcement is a shield protecting Americans.” It should not be used as a weapon for political purposes.
Trump is also pushing for detailed proof of ownership from the US Department of Justice of the items the FBI seized during the search. He asked investigators to return any items that do not fall within the scope of the search warrant. The Justice Department has until noon Thursday to provide Trump with a sealed, redacted copy of the search warrant, which he could potentially release to the public.