# 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:** 91
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1801 "2022-08-27T20:24:42Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > Maybe I missed it, but how do we know what they took? They did not take anything, TFG took it. They just took it _back_, which they were entitled to, AIUI. ---
**Author:** ![Temporary\_Name](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 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-15-2024/969329/1802 "2022-08-27T20:26:52Z")
While I am quite assured on a personal level that Trump will never face any serious consequences as a result of this very serious crime, the assertion made here in this post can be shown to have merit if you recall that someone in Putin’s orbit recently died in a grisly ball of fire caused by a car bomb. Car bombs do not exist in nature, it takes a brutal person with a certain amount of power to cause such a thing to happen, and it just happened to someone connected to a brutal, powerful person who has a connection to Trump. It also happened as it has been discovered that Trump had access to human intelligence documents to which he should not have access. Perhaps the young girl was passing secrets to us, or perhaps her father was (be interesting to see what happens to him in the near future). There is no doubt that Trump is guilty over the documents. There is a possibility he has cost the life of those helping America – or at the very least put their lives in jeopardy. It is a national tragedy and source of shame that we allowed such a person as Trump to hold such high office, wield such power, or acquire such a degree of access to sensitive information. It is still my contention that he will never see the inside of a courtroom over this, much less a prison cell. That is regrettable, and I certainly hope I am wrong about that matter (but that seems unlikely). [Unnecessary Tangent: You do not even need to be a rich white guy to get away with murder in these United States, you just need to play one on TV. (See: O.J. Simpson)] ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1803 "2022-08-27T20:29:09Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > This is more about transparency. Garland being transparent that it was necessary. The affidavit that resulted in the search warrant has been, although redacted, released to the public. This never happens. The defendant and his lawyers get it. There isn’t even a defendant here- there has been no crime charged. This is transparent in ways that are new and unprecedented. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1804 "2022-08-27T20:34:25Z")
Just so it’s clear. Trump is a criminal because he stole Top Secret documents and obstructed their return. Full stop. I’ve already made up my mind about that. I’m just projecting to the next time. In reverse. What standard/precedent can we do now for the next time. I’m now certain this will happen again to a degree that maybe I shouldn’t be. In the future, if they don’t charge the person, then I’d feel better if Schumer, at some point, put eyes on it and at least agreed what it was/had an opportunity to put eyes on it, even he did not agree with the methods employed to get it back. _Something_. I don’t want to be left with…it’s classified because we said so in an affidavit and no one can see. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1805 "2022-08-27T20:37:20Z")
I think Chronos’ suggestion above is good. Don’t commit the crimes. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1806 "2022-08-27T20:38:23Z")
> [@OttoDaFe](#): > > [Jill Wine-Banks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jill_Wine-Banks), once a member of the Watergate Special Prosecutor’s team, is a frequent legal analyst on MSNBC. When she appears she frequently wears a brooch whose design reflects the topic she’s commenting on. > > Tonight’s brooch was a padlock. She’s wonderfully approachable, too. I once messaged her about a brooch I wasn’t able to figure out, and she replied to me in a very friendly manner. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1807 "2022-08-27T20:42:19Z")
It seems that the US gradually becoming a country like that, a true “Deep State” like Russia, is certainly possible. The checks and balances of our government are supposed to guard against the frivolous targeting of political rivals. And it seems to have worked so far. I’m sure Trump would have loved to figure out a way “lock up” Hillary and others, but there was no path. And I’m guessing future presidents will leave office with nothing in hand. ---
**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:** [August 27, 2022, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1808 "2022-08-27T20:44:01Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > _Something_. I don’t want to be left with…it’s classified because we said so in an affidavit and no one can see. This is a significant issue. It applies just as much to the jury, who won’t have clearance to see the docs. I don’t know how that issue is handled in the US courts, with classified docs? It must have come up before? _But_, this is one of the reasons why the potential obstruction charge is significant. If the prosecution can show a pattern of hiding or destroying docs, they don’t have to put the docs themselves in evidence. Obstruction charges can be proven by showing a pattern of trying to prevent law enforcement from investigating the case. ---
**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 27, 2022, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1809 "2022-08-27T20:47:35Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > _But_, this is one of the reasons why the potential obstruction charge is significant. If the prosecution can show a pattern of hiding or destroying docs, they don’t have to put the docs themselves in evidence. Obstruction charges can be proven by showing a pattern of trying to prevent law enforcement from investigating the case. This is the course of action I foresee the DOJ taking. They won’t want to get into a protracted, messy fight with the originating agencies over which classified documents the jury or public can see. They’ve got what they need for obstruction, and it should be enough. ---
**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:** [August 27, 2022, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1810 "2022-08-27T22:01:39Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > I think Chronos’ suggestion above is good. Don’t commit the crimes. Sure. But that doesn’t mean the prosecution is relieved of their duty of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, using all the normal rules of evidence, with the defence having the right to object to admissibility. If someone does commit a crime, there has to be a way to put it in front of a court for a full hearing. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1811 "2022-08-27T22:02:36Z")
The question was how to avoid partisian retaliation. The suggestion is no guarantee, but a solid start. ---
**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:** [August 27, 2022, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1812 "2022-08-27T22:37:22Z")
Fair. ---
**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:** [August 27, 2022, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1813 "2022-08-27T22:40:44Z")
And the Republicans are starting to fall silent as noted by the Failing New York Times: > **[Republicans, Once Outraged by Mar-a-Lago Search, Become Quieter as Details...](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/26/us/trump-search-republican-reactions.html)** > > Some of former President Donald J. Trump’s most loyal allies were initially focused elsewhere — a potentially telling reaction with ramifications for his political future. Some GOP are starting to worry that Trump’s continued media spotlight undercuts their arguments about inflation, etc., queering their pitch in the mid-terms. Even Karl Rove has commented: “Donald, would you please just SHUT UP!” (alright, that’s my paraphrase 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1814 "2022-08-27T22:43:03Z")
The Sunday talkies are on tomorrow morning. Let’s see how a week has changed the Republican outrage. ---
**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 27, 2022, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1815 "2022-08-27T23:04:19Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Even Karl Rove has commented: “Donald, would you please just SHUT UP!” > > (alright, that’s my paraphrase 😉 ) Pretty close. > **[Karl Rove: 'Beyond Me' Why Trump Kept Classified Docs Without Authorization](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/karl-rove-trump-documents-search_n_63093880e4b0da54badfa56e)** > > Trump said the materials would have been returned to authorities if requested — but Rove suggested "they were asking for a year and a half." ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 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-15-2024/969329/1816 "2022-08-27T23:18:18Z")
That picture makes him look especially Ham Rove-ish. ---
**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:** [August 27, 2022, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1817 "2022-08-27T23:32:37Z")
> **[Judge signals she's likely to back Trump request for Mar-a-Lago special master](https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/27/judge-trump-special-master-00054007)** > > In a brief order, Judge Aileen Cannon also orders DOJ to give Trump more details on what it seized from his estate. > In her brief order, which she emphasized was not a final decision, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon also directed the Justice Department to produce by Tuesday “a more detailed” list of items seized from Trump’s residence on Aug. 8 as well as the status of the government’s ongoing review of those materials, which includes the use of a “filter team” to screen for attorney-client privileged records. What “attorney-client privileged records” do you suppose they are suggesting might be in there? Nothing was taken from an attorney. (I know, it’s just a delay tactic, but they must have at least tried to make up something that sounds good enough for a judge to consider intervening.) What are the odds the Feds haven’t _already_ gone through everything recovered with a fine-tooth comb, making the application moot? I’ve also heard them talk about a special master to screen out “executive privileged” materials, as if that buffoon still has any executive privileges to worry about. He’d like to think so, I’m sure. ---
**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:** [August 27, 2022, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1818 "2022-08-27T23:37:51Z")
> [@MulderMuffin](#): > > What “attorney-client privileged records” do you suppose they are suggesting might be in there? Nothing was taken from an attorney. Communications from the lawyer to the client are potentially covered by privilege; it’s not just material held by the lawyer. This doesn’t surprise me, in a case of this magnitude. The affidavit and attachments provided that there would be a privilege team involved in the search, to immediately look at documents that were potentially covered by privilege, but that privilege team would still be FBI. With all the accusations of partisanship and bad faith, the appearance of justice would benefit from having an independent special master do the privilege review, not a team of FBI agents. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1819 "2022-08-27T23:40:43Z")
> [@MulderMuffin](#): > > What “attorney-client privileged records” do you suppose they are suggesting might be in there? Nothing was taken from an attorney. (I know, it’s just a delay tactic, but they must have at least tried to make up something that sounds good enough for a judge to consider intervening.) If I were Trump, the cartoonishly simple solution would be to have a lawyer draft up a cover page that basically says “everything that this document is stapled to is attorney-client privilege, executive privilege and property of Donald J. Trump and nobody else. Anyone else who tries to look at these records is doing so as part of a partisan witch hunt and should be thrown in jail forever” and then staple this to every single document he stole. Unfortunately, given how much leeway Trump is getting here (think of what would happen to _any other person_ in the US who did something like this) it is likely such a trick would actually work. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/1820 "2022-08-27T23:44:24Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > [Karl Rove: 'Beyond Me' Why Trump Kept Government Docs Without Authorization | HuffPost Latest News](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/karl-rove-trump-documents-search_n_63093880e4b0da54badfa56e) I doubt Loser Donald’s motivation was any more complicated than “These are mine, and I want them, and I like to have them, and these are mine”. [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=90) [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=92)