FBI Expressed Doubts About Probable Cause for Mar-a-Lago Raid Despite DOJ Pressure, Emails Reveal
In 2022, FBI officials expressed doubts about having probable cause to search former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, citing a lack of corroborated information and the possibility of additional boxes containing classified materials at the site. Despite these concerns, the Department of Justice (DOJ) asserted that the warrant met probable cause requirements and pushed forward with the raid. The FBI suggested resolving the matter through discussions with Trump's attorneys or exploring other non-raid options before proceeding. Planning emails from August 4, 2022, described that the raid was intended to be conducted in a professional, low-key manner with consideration of optics.
An FBI agent noted that no new facts supported probable cause and questioned the reliance on single-source information. The DOJ sought a broad search scope targeting the residence, office, and storage areas, while the FBI warned that the raid might be counterproductive. The operation involved the seizure of boxes containing materials that could be protected by attorney-client or executive privilege, leading to disputes over the handling of those sensitive documents. The DOJ sought to unseal the search warrant, which Merrick Garland personally approved. The operational order for the raid included provisions regarding the use of deadly force and guidelines on equipment and concealment from view.
