Donald Trump’s lawyers recommend blocking FBI from reviewing classified Mar-a-Lago documents | US News

Donald Trump’s attorneys have asked a federal judge to stop the FBI from continuing to review the recovery documents from his Florida estate until a particularly neutral general can be appointed to inspect the documents. profile check.

This request has been entered into court records, the first time made by the former US president’s legal team in the two weeks since the search, widely aimed at the FBI’s investigation into the discovery. top secret files at Mar-a-Lago.

The filing reflects an August 8 search, in which the FBI said it recovered 11 sets of classified documents, an “incredibly shocking move” and describes Mr. Trump and his agent cooperated for many months.

“Law enforcement is a shield that protects America. It cannot be used as a weapon for political purposes,” the lawyers wrote Monday.

Explainer: Why the FBI raided Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate – and what it’s investigating

“We are therefore seeking judicial assistance following an unprecedented and unnecessary raid at Mar-a-Lago.”

Special filings require the appointment of a special non-case-involved general who will examine recovered records and reserve those protected by executive privilege – a principle that allows Presidents withhold certain communications from public disclosure.

“This issue has attracted the attention of the American public. Only ‘adequate’ safeguards are unacceptable when the issue concerns not only President Trump’s constitutional rights, but also President Trump’s constitutional rights. including the presumption of executive privilege,” the lawyers wrote.

Separately on Monday, a federal judge acknowledged that dealings with the FBI affidavit stating the basis for the search could be so extensive that it renders the document “meaningless” if released to the public.

However, U.S. District Court Judge Bruce Reinhart said he continued to believe it should not be sealed off in its entirety because of “intense” public interest in the investigation.

Justice Department officials want to keep the entire document private, saying that disclosing any part of it risked influencing an ongoing criminal investigation, revealing information about witnesses and disclosing other documents. investigation techniques.

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