FBI raids Trump’s home triggering massive political fracas in US – Times of India
WASHINGTON: The FBI on Monday raided Donald Trump‘s home in Mar-A-Lago, Florida, triggering a massive political fracas in US, including an angry outburst from the former President, rage from his supporters, and jubilation among his critics.
The FBI itself did not immediately disclose the reason for the unprecedented raid, but Trump himself confirmed the development saying “my beautiful home … is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents.” The search is said to be related to Trump’s handling of confidential presidential documents that he is believed to have brought to Mar-a-Lago after demitting office.
“Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before. After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate. It is prosecutorial misconduct, the weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024,” Trump raged in a lengthy statement.
The former President also took a side swipe at the developing world, saying “such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries.”
“Sadly, America has now become one of those Countries, corrupt at a level not seen before. They even broke into my safe!” Trump complained, adding, “what is the difference between this and Watergate, where operatives broke into the Democrat National Committee? Here, in reverse, Democrats broke into the home of the 45th President of the United States.”
Going by past statements, Trump believes that US Presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution. But some constitutional scholars say the immunity is limited only to their time in office and there is less clarity where it concerns conduct before and after presidency.
Some analysts also say it has been the Justice Department’s policy not to prosecute former Presidents, not the law.
In his statement, Trump gave a political color to the raid saying the “political persecution … has been going on for years” and it never ends and this is “political targeting at the highest level.” He claimed this was happening because he “stood up to America’s bureaucratic corruption,” and “restored power to the people,” and t”ruly delivered for our Country, like we have never seen before.”
“The establishment hated it. Now, as they watch my endorsed candidates win big victories, and see my dominance in all polls, they are trying to stop me, and the Republican Party, once more. The lawlessness, political persecution, and Witch Hunt must be exposed and stopped.” he said.
In the hours following the raid, Trump’s MAGA supporters rushed to Mar-a-Lago to protest the raid. Trump also released an ad saying America is a nation in decline and promising better days ahead amid speculation he would now advance his declaration to run for the White House in 2024.
Trump critics exulted about the raid amid speculation that he could be disbarred from running for office if he is convicted. “That’s what happens when you break the law, try to steal an election, and incite a deadly insurrection. Donald Trump should be in jail. I’m glad to see the FBI taking steps towards accountability,” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal tweeted.
Trump acolytes in Congress warned of investigation into the Justice Department and the FBI if they come to take legislative control in the mid-term election in November, even as some supporters called for impeaching FBI Director Christopher Wray — who incidentally is a Trump appointee — and President Biden himself.
Former acting solicitor general Neal Katyal told MSNBC the raid likely shows that Trump is under criminal investigation by the Justice Department and if he were Trump’s lawyer, he would be telling him to “prepare for jail time.”
The FBI itself did not immediately disclose the reason for the unprecedented raid, but Trump himself confirmed the development saying “my beautiful home … is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents.” The search is said to be related to Trump’s handling of confidential presidential documents that he is believed to have brought to Mar-a-Lago after demitting office.
“Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before. After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate. It is prosecutorial misconduct, the weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024,” Trump raged in a lengthy statement.
The former President also took a side swipe at the developing world, saying “such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries.”
“Sadly, America has now become one of those Countries, corrupt at a level not seen before. They even broke into my safe!” Trump complained, adding, “what is the difference between this and Watergate, where operatives broke into the Democrat National Committee? Here, in reverse, Democrats broke into the home of the 45th President of the United States.”
Going by past statements, Trump believes that US Presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution. But some constitutional scholars say the immunity is limited only to their time in office and there is less clarity where it concerns conduct before and after presidency.
Some analysts also say it has been the Justice Department’s policy not to prosecute former Presidents, not the law.
In his statement, Trump gave a political color to the raid saying the “political persecution … has been going on for years” and it never ends and this is “political targeting at the highest level.” He claimed this was happening because he “stood up to America’s bureaucratic corruption,” and “restored power to the people,” and t”ruly delivered for our Country, like we have never seen before.”
“The establishment hated it. Now, as they watch my endorsed candidates win big victories, and see my dominance in all polls, they are trying to stop me, and the Republican Party, once more. The lawlessness, political persecution, and Witch Hunt must be exposed and stopped.” he said.
In the hours following the raid, Trump’s MAGA supporters rushed to Mar-a-Lago to protest the raid. Trump also released an ad saying America is a nation in decline and promising better days ahead amid speculation he would now advance his declaration to run for the White House in 2024.
Trump critics exulted about the raid amid speculation that he could be disbarred from running for office if he is convicted. “That’s what happens when you break the law, try to steal an election, and incite a deadly insurrection. Donald Trump should be in jail. I’m glad to see the FBI taking steps towards accountability,” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal tweeted.
Trump acolytes in Congress warned of investigation into the Justice Department and the FBI if they come to take legislative control in the mid-term election in November, even as some supporters called for impeaching FBI Director Christopher Wray — who incidentally is a Trump appointee — and President Biden himself.
Former acting solicitor general Neal Katyal told MSNBC the raid likely shows that Trump is under criminal investigation by the Justice Department and if he were Trump’s lawyer, he would be telling him to “prepare for jail time.”
