Judge To Weigh Whether Unsealing Mar A Lago Raid Affidavit Will Jeopardize Trump Investigation

A federal judge in Florida is set to hold a hearing Thursday on whether to release the probable cause used to justify the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The hearing is in response to several media asking the court to release the affidavit to understand the rationale behind the raid on the home of a former commander-in-chief. Judge Bruce Reinhart, who fired the original search warrant on Aug. 5, is set to preside over the hearing, though it is unclear whether he will rule from the bench or take the case under advisement. The hearing comes as political tensions have risen since news of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago first broke last week over Trump’s alleged failure to turn over presidential records and classified documents to the National Archives. and Archives (NARA). FBI raid on MAR-A-LAGO COULD BOOST TRUMP’S 2024 WHITE HOUSE RUN, GENERALS SAY Local law enforcement officers are seen in front of former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, August 9, 2022. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images) Trump, for his part, claims his staff was working with the National Archives to provide the documents as required by the Presidential Records Act of 1978. “Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States,” Trump said in a statement last week. “After working and cooperating with the appropriate government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.” Trump also claims the seized documents were declassified and therefore not subject to special safeguards requirements. In light of the denials, GOP lawmakers have asked the Justice Department to release its affidavit explaining its justification for a search warrant at the home of a former president. “They can redact the names and other sensitive information, but the Justice Department has to put its cards on the table,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C. “Media speculation is rampant… Let America see the affidavit.” Attorney General Merrick Garland and the DOJ are pushing back on requests to release the document. The Justice Department said disclosing the affidavit would violate longstanding legal precedent, jeopardize the government’s investigation and reveal any confidential sources. Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., speaks to reporters about aid to Ukraine on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) “If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a road map for the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and potential course in a way that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” the DOJ said. in a court filing earlier this week. objects to the release of the affidavit. Typically, an affidavit listing probable cause for a search warrant is not unsealed until after an indictment or arrest. This precedent has been broken in the past, however, especially in extraordinary circumstances. WHAT THE FBI AFFIDAVIT ON TRUMP ATTACK MAY REVEAL: ALAN DERSHOWITZ Legal experts say a raid on a former president’s home is sufficient cause. “In these cases, the court is balancing the public interest with the need for continued secrecy,” said Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School. “This was a historic raid that caused a great public uproar. Millions of Americans are questioning the motives of the Justice Department.” A former CIA director and an MSNBC contributor are recommending the execution of former President Trump after the Washington Post claims that the FBI raid sought “nuclear” documents. (James Devaney/GC Images) Much of the debate centers on what is included in the affidavit and whether it can be released without undermining any ongoing investigation. “A probable cause affidavit is usually based on more than one interview or one piece of information. It’s usually a series of steps that explain why you believe a crime has been committed and where the evidence is,” said Ken Gray, former agent of FBI and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven. “A lot depends on the details contained in the document. Even wording can end up revealing the sources, especially if only certain people are known to have that information.” In filing to oppose the unsealing of the affidavit, the Justice Department argued that the act could harm the government’s ability to entice sources to come forward. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice, January 5, 2022, in Washington, DC (Carolyn Kaster-Pool/Getty Images) “Disclosure of the government’s affidavit at this stage will likely spoil future cooperation from witnesses whose assistance may be sought as this investigation progresses, as well as in other high-profile investigations,” the DOJ wrote. Experts say there is a larger issue at play, most notably the Justice Department’s credibility in investigating one of President Biden’s top political rivals and a possible 2024 challenger. Those questions have only grown amid leaks surrounding the raid that revealed information on DOJ conduct. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Given that reality, legal experts say the Justice Department should make at least some effort to be transparent about its case for raiding Mar-a-Lago. “The Department of Justice continues to operate as if everyone is asking for full disclosure,” Turley said. “They can redact parts of the affidavit. They can allow the court to review the wording and judge how sensitive the provisions might be. But they’re going against it wholesale at the expense of the American public.” Haris Alic covers Congress and politics for Fox News Digital. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @realharisalic.

title: “Judge To Weigh Whether Unsealing Mar A Lago Raid Affidavit Will Jeopardize Trump Investigation Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-31” author: “Michael Andrews”

A federal judge in Florida is set to hold a hearing Thursday on whether to release the probable cause used to justify the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The hearing is in response to several media asking the court to release the affidavit to understand the rationale behind the raid on the home of a former commander-in-chief. Judge Bruce Reinhart, who fired the original search warrant on Aug. 5, is set to preside over the hearing, though it is unclear whether he will rule from the bench or take the case under advisement. The hearing comes as political tensions have risen since news of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago first broke last week over Trump’s alleged failure to turn over presidential records and classified documents to the National Archives. and Archives (NARA). FBI raid on MAR-A-LAGO COULD BOOST TRUMP’S 2024 WHITE HOUSE RUN, GENERALS SAY Local law enforcement officers are seen in front of former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, August 9, 2022. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images) Trump, for his part, claims his staff was working with the National Archives to provide the documents as required by the Presidential Records Act of 1978. “Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States,” Trump said in a statement last week. “After working and cooperating with the appropriate government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.” Trump also claims the seized documents were declassified and therefore not subject to special safeguards requirements. In light of the denials, GOP lawmakers have asked the Justice Department to release its affidavit explaining its justification for a search warrant at the home of a former president. “They can redact the names and other sensitive information, but the Justice Department has to put its cards on the table,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C. “Media speculation is rampant… Let America see the affidavit.” Attorney General Merrick Garland and the DOJ are pushing back on requests to release the document. The Justice Department said disclosing the affidavit would violate longstanding legal precedent, jeopardize the government’s investigation and reveal any confidential sources. Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., speaks to reporters about aid to Ukraine on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) “If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a road map for the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and potential course in a way that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” the DOJ said. in a court filing earlier this week. objects to the release of the affidavit. Typically, an affidavit listing probable cause for a search warrant is not unsealed until after an indictment or arrest. This precedent has been broken in the past, however, especially in extraordinary circumstances. WHAT THE FBI AFFIDAVIT ON TRUMP ATTACK MAY REVEAL: ALAN DERSHOWITZ Legal experts say a raid on a former president’s home is sufficient cause. “In these cases, the court is balancing the public interest with the need for continued secrecy,” said Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School. “This was a historic raid that caused a great public uproar. Millions of Americans are questioning the motives of the Justice Department.” A former CIA director and an MSNBC contributor are recommending the execution of former President Trump after the Washington Post claims that the FBI raid sought “nuclear” documents. (James Devaney/GC Images) Much of the debate centers on what is included in the affidavit and whether it can be released without undermining any ongoing investigation. “A probable cause affidavit is usually based on more than one interview or one piece of information. It’s usually a series of steps that explain why you believe a crime has been committed and where the evidence is,” said Ken Gray, former agent of FBI and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven. “A lot depends on the details contained in the document. Even wording can end up revealing the sources, especially if only certain people are known to have that information.” In filing to oppose the unsealing of the affidavit, the Justice Department argued that the act could harm the government’s ability to entice sources to come forward. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice, January 5, 2022, in Washington, DC (Carolyn Kaster-Pool/Getty Images) “Disclosure of the government’s affidavit at this stage will likely spoil future cooperation from witnesses whose assistance may be sought as this investigation progresses, as well as in other high-profile investigations,” the DOJ wrote. Experts say there is a larger issue at play, most notably the Justice Department’s credibility in investigating one of President Biden’s top political rivals and a possible 2024 challenger. Those questions have only grown amid leaks surrounding the raid that revealed information on DOJ conduct. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Given that reality, legal experts say the Justice Department should make at least some effort to be transparent about its case for raiding Mar-a-Lago. “The Department of Justice continues to operate as if everyone is asking for full disclosure,” Turley said. “They can redact parts of the affidavit. They can allow the court to review the wording and judge how sensitive the provisions might be. But they’re going against it wholesale at the expense of the American public.” Haris Alic covers Congress and politics for Fox News Digital. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @realharisalic.

title: “Judge To Weigh Whether Unsealing Mar A Lago Raid Affidavit Will Jeopardize Trump Investigation Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-02” author: “Asha Hernandez”

A federal judge in Florida is set to hold a hearing Thursday on whether to release the probable cause used to justify the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The hearing is in response to several media asking the court to release the affidavit to understand the rationale behind the raid on the home of a former commander-in-chief. Judge Bruce Reinhart, who fired the original search warrant on Aug. 5, is set to preside over the hearing, though it is unclear whether he will rule from the bench or take the case under advisement. The hearing comes as political tensions have risen since news of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago first broke last week over Trump’s alleged failure to turn over presidential records and classified documents to the National Archives. and Archives (NARA). FBI raid on MAR-A-LAGO COULD BOOST TRUMP’S 2024 WHITE HOUSE RUN, GENERALS SAY Local law enforcement officers are seen in front of former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, August 9, 2022. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images) Trump, for his part, claims his staff was working with the National Archives to provide the documents as required by the Presidential Records Act of 1978. “Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States,” Trump said in a statement last week. “After working and cooperating with the appropriate government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.” Trump also claims the seized documents were declassified and therefore not subject to special safeguards requirements. In light of the denials, GOP lawmakers have asked the Justice Department to release its affidavit explaining its justification for a search warrant at the home of a former president. “They can redact the names and other sensitive information, but the Justice Department has to put its cards on the table,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C. “Media speculation is rampant… Let America see the affidavit.” Attorney General Merrick Garland and the DOJ are pushing back on requests to release the document. The Justice Department said disclosing the affidavit would violate longstanding legal precedent, jeopardize the government’s investigation and reveal any confidential sources. Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., speaks to reporters about aid to Ukraine on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) “If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a road map for the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and potential course in a way that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” the DOJ said. in a court filing earlier this week. objects to the release of the affidavit. Typically, an affidavit listing probable cause for a search warrant is not unsealed until after an indictment or arrest. This precedent has been broken in the past, however, especially in extraordinary circumstances. WHAT THE FBI AFFIDAVIT ON TRUMP ATTACK MAY REVEAL: ALAN DERSHOWITZ Legal experts say a raid on a former president’s home is sufficient cause. “In these cases, the court is balancing the public interest with the need for continued secrecy,” said Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School. “This was a historic raid that caused a great public uproar. Millions of Americans are questioning the motives of the Justice Department.” A former CIA director and an MSNBC contributor are recommending the execution of former President Trump after the Washington Post claims that the FBI raid sought “nuclear” documents. (James Devaney/GC Images) Much of the debate centers on what is included in the affidavit and whether it can be released without undermining any ongoing investigation. “A probable cause affidavit is usually based on more than one interview or one piece of information. It’s usually a series of steps that explain why you believe a crime has been committed and where the evidence is,” said Ken Gray, former agent of FBI and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven. “A lot depends on the details contained in the document. Even wording can end up revealing the sources, especially if only certain people are known to have that information.” In filing to oppose the unsealing of the affidavit, the Justice Department argued that the act could harm the government’s ability to entice sources to come forward. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice, January 5, 2022, in Washington, DC (Carolyn Kaster-Pool/Getty Images) “Disclosure of the government’s affidavit at this stage will likely spoil future cooperation from witnesses whose assistance may be sought as this investigation progresses, as well as in other high-profile investigations,” the DOJ wrote. Experts say there is a larger issue at play, most notably the Justice Department’s credibility in investigating one of President Biden’s top political rivals and a possible 2024 challenger. Those questions have only grown amid leaks surrounding the raid that revealed information on DOJ conduct. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Given that reality, legal experts say the Justice Department should make at least some effort to be transparent about its case for raiding Mar-a-Lago. “The Department of Justice continues to operate as if everyone is asking for full disclosure,” Turley said. “They can redact parts of the affidavit. They can allow the court to review the wording and judge how sensitive the provisions might be. But they’re going against it wholesale at the expense of the American public.” Haris Alic covers Congress and politics for Fox News Digital. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @realharisalic.

title: “Judge To Weigh Whether Unsealing Mar A Lago Raid Affidavit Will Jeopardize Trump Investigation Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-25” author: “Donna Pope”

A federal judge in Florida is set to hold a hearing Thursday on whether to release the probable cause used to justify the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The hearing is in response to several media asking the court to release the affidavit to understand the rationale behind the raid on the home of a former commander-in-chief. Judge Bruce Reinhart, who fired the original search warrant on Aug. 5, is set to preside over the hearing, though it is unclear whether he will rule from the bench or take the case under advisement. The hearing comes as political tensions have risen since news of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago first broke last week over Trump’s alleged failure to turn over presidential records and classified documents to the National Archives. and Archives (NARA). FBI raid on MAR-A-LAGO COULD BOOST TRUMP’S 2024 WHITE HOUSE RUN, GENERALS SAY Local law enforcement officers are seen in front of former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, August 9, 2022. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images) Trump, for his part, claims his staff was working with the National Archives to provide the documents as required by the Presidential Records Act of 1978. “Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States,” Trump said in a statement last week. “After working and cooperating with the appropriate government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.” Trump also claims the seized documents were declassified and therefore not subject to special safeguards requirements. In light of the denials, GOP lawmakers have asked the Justice Department to release its affidavit explaining its justification for a search warrant at the home of a former president. “They can redact the names and other sensitive information, but the Justice Department has to put its cards on the table,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C. “Media speculation is rampant… Let America see the affidavit.” Attorney General Merrick Garland and the DOJ are pushing back on requests to release the document. The Justice Department said disclosing the affidavit would violate longstanding legal precedent, jeopardize the government’s investigation and reveal any confidential sources. Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., speaks to reporters about aid to Ukraine on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) “If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a road map for the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and potential course in a way that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” the DOJ said. in a court filing earlier this week. objects to the release of the affidavit. Typically, an affidavit listing probable cause for a search warrant is not unsealed until after an indictment or arrest. This precedent has been broken in the past, however, especially in extraordinary circumstances. WHAT THE FBI AFFIDAVIT ON TRUMP ATTACK MAY REVEAL: ALAN DERSHOWITZ Legal experts say a raid on a former president’s home is sufficient cause. “In these cases, the court is balancing the public interest with the need for continued secrecy,” said Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School. “This was a historic raid that caused a great public uproar. Millions of Americans are questioning the motives of the Justice Department.” A former CIA director and an MSNBC contributor are recommending the execution of former President Trump after the Washington Post claims that the FBI raid sought “nuclear” documents. (James Devaney/GC Images) Much of the debate centers on what is included in the affidavit and whether it can be released without undermining any ongoing investigation. “A probable cause affidavit is usually based on more than one interview or one piece of information. It’s usually a series of steps that explain why you believe a crime has been committed and where the evidence is,” said Ken Gray, former agent of FBI and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven. “A lot depends on the details contained in the document. Even wording can end up revealing the sources, especially if only certain people are known to have that information.” In filing to oppose the unsealing of the affidavit, the Justice Department argued that the act could harm the government’s ability to entice sources to come forward. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice, January 5, 2022, in Washington, DC (Carolyn Kaster-Pool/Getty Images) “Disclosure of the government’s affidavit at this stage will likely spoil future cooperation from witnesses whose assistance may be sought as this investigation progresses, as well as in other high-profile investigations,” the DOJ wrote. Experts say there is a larger issue at play, most notably the Justice Department’s credibility in investigating one of President Biden’s top political rivals and a possible 2024 challenger. Those questions have only grown amid leaks surrounding the raid that revealed information on DOJ conduct. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Given that reality, legal experts say the Justice Department should make at least some effort to be transparent about its case for raiding Mar-a-Lago. “The Department of Justice continues to operate as if everyone is asking for full disclosure,” Turley said. “They can redact parts of the affidavit. They can allow the court to review the wording and judge how sensitive the provisions might be. But they’re going against it wholesale at the expense of the American public.” Haris Alic covers Congress and politics for Fox News Digital. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @realharisalic.

title: “Judge To Weigh Whether Unsealing Mar A Lago Raid Affidavit Will Jeopardize Trump Investigation Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-11” author: “Shayla Pieratt”

A federal judge in Florida is set to hold a hearing Thursday on whether to release the probable cause used to justify the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The hearing is in response to several media asking the court to release the affidavit to understand the rationale behind the raid on the home of a former commander-in-chief. Judge Bruce Reinhart, who fired the original search warrant on Aug. 5, is set to preside over the hearing, though it is unclear whether he will rule from the bench or take the case under advisement. The hearing comes as political tensions have risen since news of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago first broke last week over Trump’s alleged failure to turn over presidential records and classified documents to the National Archives. and Archives (NARA). FBI raid on MAR-A-LAGO COULD BOOST TRUMP’S 2024 WHITE HOUSE RUN, GENERALS SAY Local law enforcement officers are seen in front of former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, August 9, 2022. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images) Trump, for his part, claims his staff was working with the National Archives to provide the documents as required by the Presidential Records Act of 1978. “Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States,” Trump said in a statement last week. “After working and cooperating with the appropriate government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.” Trump also claims the seized documents were declassified and therefore not subject to special safeguards requirements. In light of the denials, GOP lawmakers have asked the Justice Department to release its affidavit explaining its justification for a search warrant at the home of a former president. “They can redact the names and other sensitive information, but the Justice Department has to put its cards on the table,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C. “Media speculation is rampant… Let America see the affidavit.” Attorney General Merrick Garland and the DOJ are pushing back on requests to release the document. The Justice Department said disclosing the affidavit would violate longstanding legal precedent, jeopardize the government’s investigation and reveal any confidential sources. Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., speaks to reporters about aid to Ukraine on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) “If disclosed, the affidavit would serve as a road map for the government’s ongoing investigation, providing specific details about its direction and potential course in a way that is highly likely to compromise future investigative steps,” the DOJ said. in a court filing earlier this week. objects to the release of the affidavit. Typically, an affidavit listing probable cause for a search warrant is not unsealed until after an indictment or arrest. This precedent has been broken in the past, however, especially in extraordinary circumstances. WHAT THE FBI AFFIDAVIT ON TRUMP ATTACK MAY REVEAL: ALAN DERSHOWITZ Legal experts say a raid on a former president’s home is sufficient cause. “In these cases, the court is balancing the public interest with the need for continued secrecy,” said Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School. “This was a historic raid that caused a great public uproar. Millions of Americans are questioning the motives of the Justice Department.” A former CIA director and an MSNBC contributor are recommending the execution of former President Trump after the Washington Post claims that the FBI raid sought “nuclear” documents. (James Devaney/GC Images) Much of the debate centers on what is included in the affidavit and whether it can be released without undermining any ongoing investigation. “A probable cause affidavit is usually based on more than one interview or one piece of information. It’s usually a series of steps that explain why you believe a crime has been committed and where the evidence is,” said Ken Gray, former agent of FBI and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven. “A lot depends on the details contained in the document. Even wording can end up revealing the sources, especially if only certain people are known to have that information.” In filing to oppose the unsealing of the affidavit, the Justice Department argued that the act could harm the government’s ability to entice sources to come forward. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice, January 5, 2022, in Washington, DC (Carolyn Kaster-Pool/Getty Images) “Disclosure of the government’s affidavit at this stage will likely spoil future cooperation from witnesses whose assistance may be sought as this investigation progresses, as well as in other high-profile investigations,” the DOJ wrote. Experts say there is a larger issue at play, most notably the Justice Department’s credibility in investigating one of President Biden’s top political rivals and a possible 2024 challenger. Those questions have only grown amid leaks surrounding the raid that revealed information on DOJ conduct. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Given that reality, legal experts say the Justice Department should make at least some effort to be transparent about its case for raiding Mar-a-Lago. “The Department of Justice continues to operate as if everyone is asking for full disclosure,” Turley said. “They can redact parts of the affidavit. They can allow the court to review the wording and judge how sensitive the provisions might be. But they’re going against it wholesale at the expense of the American public.” Haris Alic covers Congress and politics for Fox News Digital. He can be reached at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @realharisalic.