# 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:** 84
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1661 "2022-08-26T14:13:52Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > The most he’d ever get would be house arrest at Mara Lardo. M-a-L in the summers, New York in the winters. Got to give him some variety, after all. ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1662 "2022-08-26T14:15:23Z")
> [@Lance\_Turbo](#): > > About that Mar-a-Lago SCIF… every story I read about it says something like, “Sean Spicer mentioned in a press briefing that a SCIF had been installed at Mar-a-Lago.” Are we taking Sean Spicer’s word on this one? That seems like a bad idea. I linked previously to several stories that mention it as fact, and one even quotes another source: > [@7 Jan 2021 and beyond - the aftermath of the storming of the Capitol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3007): > > I don’t think there’s really any doubt it existed. News reports that mention it: > > - [Trump in Palm Beach: Mar-a-Lago’s SCIF, JFK’s bunker and keeping national security secure](https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/politics/2019/11/05/trump-in-palm-beach-mar-a-lagos-scif-jfks-bunker-and-keeping-national-security-secure/2359130007/) > - [https://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/recent-trespassing-incidents-raise-questions-about-security-at-mar-a-lago](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/recent-trespassing-incidents-raise-questions-about-security-at-mar-a-lago) > - [Mar-a-Lago Florida: Everything we know about Trump’s new home | The Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/trump-mar-a-lago-history-palm-beach-florida-b1780645.html) > > How assiduously it was used is another matter, of course. ---
**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:** [August 26, 2022, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1663 "2022-08-26T15:24:22Z")
Your right, for some reason when I looked at the [wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_executed_by_the_United_States_federal_government) page, I thought they were listed with the most recent first. 🤦‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1664 "2022-08-26T15:25:58Z")
My cousin prepares taxes. In a brick and mortar building. She often gets shoe boxes of receipts and other stuff from clients. It all needs to be organized and pigeon holed. She does this at the office. She **cannot** take clients information home with her and do it there. Too much of a security risk that they could be stolen or lost. There is personal information there. SS numbers and such. Seems like the company my cousin works for has better security than the White House. Just saying… ---
**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 26, 2022, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1665 "2022-08-26T16:18:30Z")
memo outlining redaction just dropped. this outlines why 78 paragraphs are redacted. any identifiers for witnesses, roadmap for investigations, mostly. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1666 "2022-08-26T16:25:59Z")
And the redacted affidavit seems to be posted as well. Document 102 here: [United States v. Sealed Search Warrant, 9:22-mj-08332 – CourtListener.com](https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/64872441/united-states-v-sealed-search-warrant) Attachment #1 seems to be the meat. ---
**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 26, 2022, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1667 "2022-08-26T16:34:06Z")
good catch jas 09! attachment 1 20.5 pages of 38 are redacted, attachment 2 had 5 of 13, attachment 3 is fully redacted. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1668 "2022-08-26T16:38:00Z")
I didn’t find anything in a quick read that was unredacted that hasn’t already been widely reported. Perhaps there was something interesting in the redacted portions, but what was put out seems to be: “NARA got some documents, they were marked classified, I believe there are more documents being improperly stored”. Signed, FBI agent. The only somewhat interesting snippet was that some of the documents NARA got initially (the “15 boxes”) had handwritten notes on them. But perhaps that is already public knowledge as well and I just missed it. The other somewhat interesting comment is that the affidavit writer believes that “evidence of obstruction” would also be found at Mar-a-Lago. Perhaps something that would indicate the documents were being intentionally hidden from DoJ/FBI/NARA. Attachment 2 is the memo explaining the redaction reasons, and Attachment 3 is the reason for each redaction (almost all of which reasons are also redacted… which is kind of funny). ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1669 "2022-08-26T16:43:06Z")
I’d add that the entire section under “There is Probable Cause to Believe That Documents Containing Classified NDI and Presidential Records Remain at the Premises” is redacted, except for the paragraph stating there is no longer a SCIF at Mar-a-Lago. If there were witnesses or former officials that spilled the beans to the FBI about what was stored there, it would likely be in those paragraphs. ---
**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 26, 2022, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1670 "2022-08-26T16:44:21Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > Document 102 here: [United States v. Sealed Search Warrant, 9:22-mj-08332 – CourtListener.com](https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/64872441/united-states-v-sealed-search-warrant) > > Attachment #1 seems to be the meat. Not too much of interest. I’d say that the only thing that jumps out at me is the non-redacted portion about Kash Patel, and that only because it means that they were aware (before the search) that people in Trump’s orbit claim that he had declassified the documents and that, within the redacted portions, there must be material that refutes or renders irrelevant that concept, and that the refutation was sufficient to convince the judge to go forward. ---
**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 26, 2022, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1671 "2022-08-26T16:55:06Z")
doj councel letter: " as i previously indicated to you mar a lago does not include a secure location authorized for the storage of classified information." puts paid to the “we had a scif in florida” argument. the fbi further states, i do not believe that any spaces within the premises have been authorized for the storage of classified information at least since the end of fpotus’s presidential administration on january 20,2022. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1672 "2022-08-26T16:58:44Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > puts paid to the “we had a scif in florida” argument. “Had” is the operative word. There _was_ one while Trump was in office, but it would have been decommissioned after he was out. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1673 "2022-08-26T17:02:48Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > If there were witnesses or former officials that spilled the beans to the FBI about what was stored there, it would likely be in those paragraphs. I still contend that it was one or a couple of Secret Service agents that “spilled the beans” and kept watch of “the beans”. They are sworn government agents that are tasked to protect the TFG, not cover up for his crimes. If they witnessed a crime it is there duty to report, its not really an option. They don’t arrest them, but they are allowed, if not duty bound, to keep the investigators informed of the location of evidence. Just guess who knew Trump wasn’t going to be in town that day. Even if it comes out later that someone else leaked the information you could bet the its the SS covering its tracks. Trump may think all these guys are his buddies, but that’s what government agents want you to think. That and I like the idea of Trump thinking it was them. He can’t even hide in is own home. It’s got to freak him out to think/know he has spies right next to him. Let’s see if TFG decides he doesn’t need SS protection anymore. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1674 "2022-08-26T17:02:52Z")
> [@MulderMuffin](#): > > So someone was telling him exactly what he wanted to hear --that the Presidential records belonged to him, not the American people. Yes, likely. However, last I checked getting poor legal advice from one’s own lawyer does not exonerate one from a crime. ---
**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:** [August 26, 2022, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1675 "2022-08-26T17:04:51Z")
_“WHAT?? What the hell am I paying them for?? Oh wait… I usually stiff them, don’t I…”_ ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1676 "2022-08-26T17:06:09Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > I’d say that the only thing that jumps out at me is the non-redacted portion about Kash Patel, and that only because it means that they were aware (before the search) that people in Trump’s orbit claim that he had declassified the documents and that, within the redacted portions, there must be material that refutes or renders irrelevant that concept, and that the refutation was sufficient to convince the judge to go forward. I wonder, not being a lawyer, how much a judge would consider that sort of legal argument when authorizing a search warrant. It seems more like an issue for a trial judge (if charges were brought) than a magistrate approving a warrant. I would think law enforcement could search for evidence of a crime even if there was a possible defense argument as to whether the crime was committed. So I’m not sure the fact that the search warrant was authorized means this particular judge had an opinion regarding the “everything was declassified” argument. ---
**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 26, 2022, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1677 "2022-08-26T17:06:36Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > The only somewhat interesting snippet was that some of the documents NARA got initially (the “15 boxes”) had handwritten notes on them. Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s “Property of Donald J. Trump” written in Sharpie. ---
**Author:** ![CaptMurdock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/captmurdock/32/11736_2.png) [@CaptMurdock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptMurdock)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1678 "2022-08-26T17:07:50Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > If the mere lawful search was met with an incoherent uproar, imagine killing the fucker. I’d respond to this vis-a-vis my opinions of those who would react with more than an uproar…except I might be accused again of “dehumanizing language.” ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1679 "2022-08-26T17:09:58Z")
> [@Skypist](#): > > Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s “Property of Donald J. Trump” written in Sharpie. I’m thinking it was a Sharpie note that just said, “MYNE!” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2022, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1680 "2022-08-26T17:11:12Z")
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