Former President Donald Trump’s loyalists are demanding an explanation for the FBI’s raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Mr. Trump confirmed the search on Monday evening, but the FBI and Department of Justice have yet to react.
It is connected to a probe into his handling of confidential and sensitive information.
It was the first time law enforcement has ever searched the house of a former US president.
According to reports, the FBI operation is related to an inquiry into whether or not Mr. Trump, a Republican, removed secret documents from the White House and brought them to Mar-a-Lago.
Republican leaders have demanded a briefing from Attorney General Merrick Garland, director of the Department of Justice, on the investigation’s alleged political motivations.
Former Vice-President Mike Pence, who has discreetly distanced himself amid rumors they may both run for president in 2024, has demanded that the attorney general provide a “comprehensive explanation” for why the search warrant was executed.
“In the history of the United States, no past president’s residence has ever been subject to a raid,” he wrote on Twitter.
In the meantime, Mr. Trump’s congressional allies have threatened to initiate a probe if they regain control of the House and Senate in November’s midterm elections, which will determine the balance of power in Washington.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Tuesday that the FBI did not notify President Joe Biden in advance of the operation and that he “heard about this via public accounts.”
“The president was not informed and was unaware of the situation. No one at the White House was informed beforehand “She stated,
She told reporters that Mr. Biden had gone to great efforts to protect the independence of the Department of Justice, and she added, “President Biden believes in the rule of law.”
The raid was first revealed by the former president, who was at Trump Tower in New York City on Monday evening, in a statement.
Lindsey Halligan, Mr. Trump’s attorney, stated that she received a call at 10:00 local time (1400 GMT) informing her that the FBI had a search order for Mar-a-Lago and that she should report to the property.
She reported seeing 30 to 40 FBI personnel wearing gloves, some in suits and some in casual attire, along with 10 to 15 FBI vehicles, including a rented truck.
Ms. Halligan told CBS that she and another attorney for Mr. Trump were denied access to the complex and that the search was divided into three sections: a bedroom, an office, and a storage space.
“Absolute overkill,” she exclaimed. If they required documentation, they could have asked for it.
A law enforcement officer who did not wish to be identified told CBS that the Secret Service agents protecting Mr. Trump were informed shortly before the order was executed.
Mr. Trump, who is now at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, claimed in a Tuesday fundraising email that he and other Republicans were being attacked because of his political strength and “my supremacy in all surveys.”
“They are once again attempting to stop me and the Republican Party,” he stated, adding, “The lawlessness, political persecution, and witch hunt must be revealed and stopped.”
Tuesday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement stating that the Department of Justice “should have already delivered answers to the American people and must do so soon.”
While many Democrats applauded the raid, some encouraged the Department of Justice to release additional details. Some expressed concern that it might increase support for the previous administration.
Dave Aronberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach, where Mar-a-Lago is located, told, “This might be extremely beneficial to him as many people gather around him at this time.” Trump will utilize this to reclaim his status as a martyr.
Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, said she first learned of the FBI agents’ “visit” through public reporting on her phone.
“Justification is required for a warrant,” she told. This demonstrates that no one is above the law, not even a sitting or former president of the United States.
