# FBI Search and Seizure at Trump's Mar-A-Lago Residence, August 8, 2022, Case Dismissed July 15, 2024 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [August 8, 2022, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329 "2022-08-08T23:18:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 24
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/461 "2022-08-11T19:48:03Z")
[![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52279495839_445650e723_z.jpg "20220811\_144710") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/68782016@N08/52279495839/) ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/462 "2022-08-11T19:49:29Z")
> [@Skypist](#): > > I was imagining this matter having to slowly and painfully wind its way up to the compromised Supreme Court. Because I can’t imagine trump not fighting it. Oh, I don’t think the DoJ will fight very hard if Trump says “No” to unsealing it, honestly. The reason these are sealed are generally to protect the target of the search. In fact, the request to unseal says “the government hereby requests that the Court unseal the Notice of Filing and its attachment (Docket Entry 17), **absent objection by former President Trump** ”. > **[gov.uscourts.flsd.617854.18.0\_2.pdf](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.617854/gov.uscourts.flsd.617854.18.0_2.pdf)** > > 159.32 KB This is basically a “Shut up, Trump” gambit. If he doesn’t want the warrant unsealed he should stop talking about it. And if he does want it unsealed, well, go for it. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/463 "2022-08-11T19:50:55Z")
AG Garland calls Trump’s bluff: > **[Merrick Garland Calls Trump's Bluff - emptywheel](https://www.emptywheel.net/2022/08/11/merrick-garland-calls-trumps-bluff/)** > > Merrick Garland just revealed DOJ has moved to unseal the parts of the warrant for the search of Mar-a-Lago that Trump already has. Effectively, Garland has called Trump's bluff. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/464 "2022-08-11T19:50:57Z")
The order to unseal was signed by Jay Bratt who is in charge of this division of the DOJ: [![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52273392541_b2b41e933e_b.jpg "20220808\_233938") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/68782016@N08/52273392541/) Get one of these guys knocking on your door and your day is likely fucked. ---
**Author:** ![Skypist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skypist/32/169_2.png) [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/465 "2022-08-11T19:53:02Z")
Hmm, well then I’m not sure how well this gambit will work, as trump is perfectly capable of saying “no” and crying about why DOJ won’t release the warrant at the same time. And his base will just agree with him. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/466 "2022-08-11T19:56:52Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > He appeared to be. For Garland. Ya know, with such a steady demeanor, he’d make a great Supreme Court justice. Ow! ow! Stop hitting me! Sorry if I opened up old wounds! ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/467 "2022-08-11T19:57:21Z")
LOL, you know me well!! ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/468 "2022-08-11T19:58:09Z")
Yup. That is probably what will happen (Trump challenges, Judge agrees). It is in Trump’s best interest to just shut up for now. The one thing that could convince a judge to release the warrant is if Trump and/or his lawyers basically publicize the entire contents on their own. At that point there is no reason to keep it sealed (and that is basically what they argued in the motion to unseal). Whether he can actually keep quiet long enough is the question… I still kind of think there is a decent chance this was just an effort to get some critical documents back. That’s why Bratt is involved - he’s in charged of compliance with Classified procedures. Now that the documents are returned (assuming they all were) there is a chance this particular branch of the Trump criminal investigation ends here. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/469 "2022-08-11T19:59:22Z")
So far the only response from Trump to Garland’s statement is: But Obama!!! ETA: In case folks are confused by this latest bullshit, the back story is here: [Updated Information About Obama Presidential Library | National Archives](https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/information-about-new-model-for-obama-presidential-library) But the easy thing to remember is if Donald Trump (or Jr.) is talking it’s probably a lie. If the subject is Bacak Obama, it is definitely a lie. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/470 "2022-08-11T20:03:13Z")
I like this tactic. In general, as Trump continues to be investigated for a variety of criminal activities, he can either keep quiet about it and pretend to be a wholesome, capable individual. Or, at each stage, he can complain that they’re being unfair, they use his complaints as a basis for publicizing exactly why it is fair (or, he needs to argue in public about why he needs to keep his activities secret from everyone), and he sinks his own campaign boat for the 2024 Presidency. One thing you can count on for the general public is that they love a scandal and will always vote to have information released. Privacy is not a winning argument when it comes in the way of delicious sounding gossip, regardless of your political affiliation. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/471 "2022-08-11T20:14:04Z")
Well, we won’t have to wait long. The judge overseeing the sealed warrant has given Trump and his team until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow to respond. Sounds like we’re getting the whole enchilada even sooner than 2 weeks. And the affidavit may also be released. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/472 "2022-08-11T20:14:27Z")
trump’s team has until 3pm tomorrow to object to the release. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/473 "2022-08-11T20:15:50Z")
Going from 7 days to 24 hours makes me think that this isn’t the first that Team Trump is hearing from this particular judge…and that they’ve pissed him off, somehow. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/474 "2022-08-11T20:17:51Z")
I don’t think the judge is acting from anger. Experts who know better than me just opined that there is a presumption that warrants and their supporting documents are generally unsealed in deference to the public’s need to know. Motions to unseal are generally granted and are rarely opposed. I will say that the judge has been recently threatened by Trump’s rabid supporters. But I don’t think that really factors in to his decision. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/475 "2022-08-11T20:20:00Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > > [@Skypist](#): > > > > ETA: What affidavit? > > The supporting affidavit which was presenting to the judge to convince him to sign the warrant. Basically the document stating why they felt that a warrant was the only means to gather the evidence they were after, and why they have reason to believe the documents are present where the search is to be held. > > **It would include any information about sources, informants, etc** as well as the status of whatever criminal investigation is being pursued. > > It will not be released unless there is an indictment or perhaps after the investigation is closed without indictment if the target requests it to be unsealed. > > IANAL, just my understanding. (My bolding) So does this mean Trump already knows who ratted him out? ---
**Author:** ![Skypist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skypist/32/169_2.png) [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/476 "2022-08-11T20:20:21Z")
I’m still concerned trump will give a very quiet “no” that no FOX or OAN viewers will hear about but a very loud and long “whhhyyyy haven’t they released it?” wail that everyone will hear. Is there any chance the judge would release it even if trump says no? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/477 "2022-08-11T20:21:19Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > So does this mean Trump already knows who ratted him out? No, no one sees the affidavit until it’s unsealed (and they’re not talking about unsealing that at this time) ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/478 "2022-08-11T20:23:55Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > So does this mean Trump already knows who ratted him out? The affidavit wouldn’t be provided to Trump. It’s for the judge only, not the target. > [@Aspenglow](#): > > And the affidavit may also be released. Where did you see this? That would be extraordinary to release the affidavit publicly while the investigation is ongoing. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/479 "2022-08-11T20:26:28Z")
The affidavit is only in support of the basis for executing the warrant. Now that the warrant has been executed, there is no longer a reason to keep it hidden. Andrew Weissman just stated it on MSNBC, unless I misunderstood. That’s always possible. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2022, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/480 "2022-08-11T20:28:04Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > And the affidavit may also be released. > [@Aspenglow](#): > > there is a presumption that warrants and their supporting documents are generally unsealed in deference to the public’s need to know I would be curious about both of these claims - neither aligns with what I’ve been reading or seeing today. ETA: I see you cited the claim about the affidavit. I find that very surprising, I’ll see if I can dig up the clip. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329.md?page=23) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329.md?page=25)