# 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:** 267
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5321 "2023-06-09T19:57:57Z")
What I read said it’s top secret with additional restrictions. ORCON means no distribution outside the issuing department, and FORCON means no sharing with foreign nationals. To me this indicates that no, he did not just take “over-classified” documents that never needed to be classified in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5322 "2023-06-09T19:58:18Z")
Potentially if they’re SCI and it included the SCI codes. Only thing I can think of. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5323 "2023-06-09T19:58:59Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > > [@bobot](#): > > > > Sometimes I feel proud to be a member here among some of you others. You guys kick ass. > > Seconded. I don’t know shit from shinola regarding the intricacies of the legal system and processes in this country. Fortunately, a whole bunch of you folks do. Thirded! I’m leaving on vacation tomorrow and seriously considering taking my laptop just so I can follow this thread. (I just can’t enjoy the Dope on my phone.) ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5324 "2023-06-09T19:59:14Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > > [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > > > all jammed together **higgledy piggledy,** > > bolding mine and off-topic: This word isn’t used enough. Kudos! You mean Jack doesn’t use it the indictment? ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5325 "2023-06-09T20:06:53Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > i’m still baffled on why att. 3 signed off on a search att. 1 did. seriously! att 1 did the search, why do i need to sign off! why wasn’t that a red flag for her?! Every year I do ethics orientation for new articling students - freshly graduated, ready to start their legal career One thing I always pound into them is that you never, ever, give a professional undertaking relating to someone else’s behaviour. You only give an undertaking for your own behaviour. ---
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5326 "2023-06-09T20:09:51Z")
exactly why this has stood out to me through the whole saga. why did a lawyer sign off on something they did not have first hand knowledge. the lawyers this man has found to surround himself with are just amazingly reckless. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5327 "2023-06-09T20:10:24Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > Trump. It’s another initialism, like “TFG” or “CFSG,” that can be used to refer to Trump. Yeah, but since no one else uses it, dont use it here, it causes confusion. > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > For whatever it’s worth, cutesy nicknames for the president, especially ones that are acronyms, are distracting and mildly annoying. Right. I just use “trump” since he doesnt deserve the cap. I saw all the talk that this might end up in front of trumps pet judge- did that happen or is it speculation? ---
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5328 "2023-06-09T20:11:09Z")
oh, it happened. how long it lasts is up for bets. ---
**Author:** ![MulderMuffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldermuffin/32/2862_2.png) [@MulderMuffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MulderMuffin)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5329 "2023-06-09T20:11:10Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I saw all the talk that this might end up in front of trumps pet judge- did that happen or is it speculation? It happened. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5330 "2023-06-09T20:16:15Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > I have little doubt that he was intending on using this for material gain. It has obvious value to foreign actors. > [@Smapti](#): > > I honestly don’t think Loser Donald is smart enough to monetize stolen info. This looks more like hoarder behavior to me. There’s nothing more going on in his mind than “These are mine and I want them and I like having them”. > [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Trump would occasionally pull a document or two out to show to whoever was with him. The journalist said at the time that he thought it was hoarder behaviour. Trump just wanted the documents with him, as a show of his position or a comfort blanket. In the spirit of these three comments, IMHO trump only had two reasons for taking and keeping classified documents: 1. To show everyone (and himself) how IMPORTANT he was. 2. To sell to the highest bidder if it became necessary and opportune. No, he’s not smart enough to know how to do that, but there are plenty who would help him. _Plenty._ People he would, of course, throw under the bus later.\* * * * * * * > [@Atamasama](#): > > Trump’s attorney, Jim Trusty, appearing on NBC on Friday morning, said Trump is ready for a battle. “He’s a fighter, and he’s going to come out swinging, and he’ll be fine,” Trusty said. “He’s not afraid of this thing.” > > Hours later, in a shocking turn of events, Trusty and another attorney on the team, John Rowley, resigned from the case. Damn! This is priceless! Where is that thread where we tell a complete, full-length story in just four sentences. 😂 * * * * * * > [@bobot](#): > > … > Sometimes I feel proud to be a member here among some of you others. You guys kick ass. A- **MEN!** Now that Walter Cronkite has gone to the great CBS news bureau in the sky _(Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall there? (Do they have flies in heaven?) (I hope not.)_, the Dope is my most trusted source for breaking news, followup, fact-checking, and analysis. * * * * * * > [@DrDeth](#): > > I just use “trump” since he doesnt deserve the cap. Me, too. He long ago forfeited the right to a capital letter. I also use a lower-case “p” when referring to his so-called presidency. Hey, some of us wield our principles in small ways. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5331 "2023-06-09T20:18:26Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Potentially if they’re SCI and it included the SCI codes. Only thing I can think of. I was thinking that as well. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5332 "2023-06-09T20:21:01Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Me, too. He long ago forfeited the right to a capital letter. I also use a lower-case “p” when referring to his so-called presidency. Hey, some of us wield our principles in small ways. And no one has to ask what we mean. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5333 "2023-06-09T20:23:42Z")
Weaponize English grammar usage!! ⚔ ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5334 "2023-06-09T20:25:35Z")
> [@OldOlds](#): > > As I understand it, certain secrets related to the nuclear program are NOT declassifiable by the president, at least not without going through a specific process which involves various agencies. Can anyone confirm this is true? The DoD classification system was established by executive order; the argument from Trump’s side is that since he is the chief executive he can at a whim ignore executive orders regarding de-classification procedures - i.e., he can “think” them declassified and - poof! - they are. The DoE has its own classification system which was established by Congress. These deal with nuclear issues. Since these classifications were _not_ established by executive order, the ridiculous idea that Trump can de-classify them at a whim (or by the power of his mighty mind) have no basis. ---
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5335 "2023-06-09T20:39:32Z")
Maybe I just don’t watch the correct news, but I’ve enjoyed the brief hiatus from the endless yipping on the Right about “witch hunt!!” and “weaponization of the FBI!!”, etc., since the indictment dropped. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5336 "2023-06-09T20:42:02Z")
Blaming the FBI was the first response on Twitter to the AP (Associated Press) announcement of the charges. ---
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5337 "2023-06-09T20:49:10Z")
Here’s a depressing read: “If [Cannon] maintains her grasp on this case, it is nearly impossible to envision Smith securing a conviction in her courtroom.” Some of the roadblocks she could throw in the way: > Cannon can try to rig voir dire to help the defense stack the jury with Trump supporters. She can exclude evidence and testimony that’s especially damning to Trump. She can disqualify witnesses who are favorable to the prosecution. She can sustain the defense’s frivolous objections and overrule the prosecution’s meritorious ones. She can direct a verdict of acquittal to render the jury superfluous. She can declare a mistrial prematurely for any number of reasons, including lengthy juror deliberations, and stretch out various deadlines to run out the clock. Many of these procedural moves could not be appealed until the proceedings have drawn to a close; appeals courts do not referee every little dispute in a jury trial as they happen. But it might be possible for the government to request her removal by the 11th Circuit Court, who already overruled her in the previous case. > Smith, for his part, has the option of requesting a different judge; 11th Circuit precedent allows reassignment when the presiding judge appears unable to put “previous views and findings aside.” (This is a nice way of saying that they’re in the tank for the defendant.) Trump would surely fight such a request, and it’s impossible to say where the 11th Circuit would come down. > **[Judge Aileen Cannon Can Absolutely Sink the Federal Prosecution of Trump](https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/06/aileen-cannon-federal-prosecution-donald-trump.html)** > > This is excellent news for Trump and exceedingly bad news for special counsel Jack Smith. ---
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5338 "2023-06-09T21:01:29Z")
Maybe I’m reading this wrong, but page 45 of the indictment clearly shows Jay Bratt selecting West Palm Beach (Cannon’s division) as the court division to handle this. So this wasn’t random, it appears to me. ---
**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:** [June 9, 2023, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5339 "2023-06-09T21:04:15Z")
For those who might be interested in learning a little more about Jack Smith, here’s another gift link: > **[Who Is Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Who Indicted Trump?](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/us/politics/jack-smith-special-counsel-trump-indictment.html?unlocked_article_code=9m2ZEViiMQ9RHQC73GGBLoaCC-HxDxWuN9w_2EeWcwOh8SmLDPvd2W8ItBG9CYVdd5ZSnR6_22q_b2_k2Ti_iu0gGG4zZvhcJmhN7mPlBLmDhsvo1c4TpyVJvX4506Hh8NC0lEZ3H0_JcaaBD_hjWRGfkOe5CSEe8ivsUKhxD1wj3Iz5C22kbL0-0ukqsntSHZn6CG0ox9cx159EwcGEYh7rQCb8m8sSa4z3tafDVAIKZ3e31DTkta1VGIE3n6PzdhtuJjaiZ-0uP3qfQpkzMG1kRTMBsStO-7gkmUOz9aPaWbertLQDbUzejR3h2VEihB9dsns7XmmxvFYsSoCGQJOzM5ay3fcVEgNuVjExzex-d69oUn-x30US&smid=url-share)** > > The former prosecutor was chosen for his experience in bringing high-stakes cases against politicians in the United States and abroad. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2023, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/5340 "2023-06-09T21:12:53Z")
A couple of things: First, Can someone help me understand the significance of the quote in paragraph 51? Who is the “he” Trump is talking about and how does this comment about Hillary’s emails support the case against Trump. Second, What if any are Nauta’s prospects for getting a reduced sentence by cooperating with prosecutors against Trump, as this seems to be about the only hope he’s got? I saw the following Twuth by Trump > I have just learned that the “Thugs” from the Department of Injustice will be Indicting a wonderful man, Walt Nauta, a member of the U.S. Navy, who served proudly with me in the White House, retired as Senior Chief, and then transitioned into private life as a personal aide. He has done a fantastic job! They are trying to destroy his life, like the lives of so many others, hoping that he will say bad things about “Trump.” He is strong, brave, and a Great Patriot. The FBI and DOJ are CORRUPT! It will be amusing to contrast this with the resulting Twuth if/when Nauta does turn against him. [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=266) [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=268)