FBI at Mar-a-Lago

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   IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

   DOJ confirms FBI is raiding Trump's Mar-a-Lago home, former president calls it 'political persecution'
   
   Trump was in New York City when the raid was carried out, Fox News has learned. An FBI source confirmed that FBI agents from Washington, D.C. who are on the bureau's Evidence Response Team conducted the raid and notified the Miami Field Office just before.
   
   Per standard protocol, FBI Director Wray and Attorney General Garland were aware of the raid even if shortly before and would have been fully briefed. Two sources familiar with the matter said top Biden White House officials were not given advance notice of the raid.
   
   The Justice Department has been investigating the discovery of boxes of records containing classified information that were taken to Mar-A-Lago after Trump's presidency concluded. That matter was referred to the Justice Department by the National Archives and Records Administration, which said it found classified material in 15 boxes at the residence.
   
   Federal law bars the removal of classified documents to unauthorized locations, though it is possible that Trump could try to argue that, as president, he was the ultimate declassification authority.
   
   It was not clear whether the FBI search was connected to that probe.
   
   A separate investigation into efforts by Trump allies to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election and the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol has intensified in Washington in recent weeks, particularly with the January 6 congressional committee holding hearings to reveal its findings.
   
   So, which one do you think it is?
   
   Btw, I doubt they'll find anything there.

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      GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I'm getting the popcorn ready. By bouncing between CNN and Fox, I am only sure of one thing: no judge would have signed such a warrant without a lot of thought.
      
      To repeat an old claim: CNN is going to embarrass themselves. Their talking heads are absolutely orgasmic. Somebody is going to stain their pants on camera.
      
      On the flip side, Fox is going equally hyperbolic in the opposite direction: they are so indignantly hot one of them might self-combust on camera.
      
      GA

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   IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

   "Sources familiar with the search said it was related to allegations that Trump allies improperly removed boxes of presidential records from the White House after leaving office — including some that may have included classified information. One of those sources said the raid took “hours.”
   
   Could it be also in any form (the documents they kept) related to their attempt to overturn the 2020 election/fake electors/Jan 6?
   
   Or worse?

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      GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not speculating or guessing on this one yet, CNN is doing enough of that for us all. ;-)
      
      GA

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   GA Andersonposted 2 years ago

   A Fox News person offered a good description of this issue that fits with my orgasmic one:
   
   'It's like crack for cable news channels.'
   
   I think he was jabbing at CNN but I think it covers both sides.
   
   GA

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      IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. But that is the case with any big news.
      
      But I would think there are more important things to consider regarding the raid (investigations) than how tv reacts to the news.
      
      Since Im not watching tv, I'll eat my popcorn while I read excerpts of the new book.

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   Kathleen Cochranposted 2 years ago

   Well, we will find out if there is anything there or not. As with so much about Trump, established protocols are shattered by his behavior and actions. That he is experiencing the consequences is his own doing, and there is no one to compare him to. As the Zen Master said, "We'll see."

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   IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

   Sources told Fox News on Tuesday that investigators from the Justice Departmen t visited Mar-a-Lago in June for a meeting about turning over records as part of an investigation into documents former President Trump allegedly took with him from the White House to his private residence when he left office in January 2021.
   
   Trump's attorneys were present at that meeting and the sources say the former president himself stopped in to say hello for a few minutes.
   
   The meeting came months after the National Archives -- with assistance from the Justice Department -- was able to get 15 boxes of documents sent back to Washington, D.C. after expressing concern they were in Florida.
   
   The June meeting was about additional documents that were being sought. But following it, the Justice Department and FBI felt they weren't getting the same cooperation they had been receiving earlier in the probe, according to a source with knowledge of negotiations between Trump's team and the federal entities.
   
   The perceived lack of cooperation is why a search warrant was requested and ultimately executed on Monday, Aug. 8 at Trump's Palm Beach property.

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   Kathleen Cochranposted 2 years ago

   IslandiBites: Thank you for using FOX as a source. Maybe the dissenters will read what you posted.

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      IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I try. Maybe they'll read at least FoxNews, but it doesnt matter. Trump himself could admit he's done all the bad things people say about him and they wont believe him. Or worse, they'll find a way to justify it and cheer him on.

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      MizBejabbersposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      IslandBites post just before yours was exactly what CNN said last night. Sounds like CNN and Fox were in agreement for once.

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   GA Andersonposted 2 years ago

   An additional piece to speculate about.
   
   The search warrant details are currently sealed to the public. however, Pres. Trump and his lawyers do have all the details of the warrant—and could voluntarily release them if they wanted to. Pres. Trump's lawyers said they don't plan to release them.
   
   Could be a smart move?
   .
   GA

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      MizBejabbersposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Why would they want to release the details, GA? Right now Trump is seizing the day by exploiting his persecution complex.

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         GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Just as a speculation, I think that if the details did show the FBI was looking for some 'paper handling' violations the public would be outraged at such a history-making move for what would be perceived as a 'nit-picky' charge. A plus for Pres. Trump.
         
         On the other hand, if the details show there were more serious charges involved the public would start wondering instead of reacting. A negative for Pres. Trump.
         
         It's only a thought, but I think there must be something else in those details. Something serious enough to warrant such a history-making raid.
         
         GA

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            IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            The FBI search at Mar-a-Lago this week came months after federal investigators served an earlier grand jury subpoena and took away sensitive national security documents from former President Donald Trump's property during a June meeting, people familiar with the matter tell CNN.
            
            Investigators executed Monday's search in part because they had developed evidence, including from at least one witness, that there were potentially classified documents still remaining at the Palm Beach, Florida, property months after the National Archives arranged for the retrieval of 15 boxes of documents that included classified information in January of this year, a person briefed on the matter said.
            Authorities also believed the documents remaining at Mar-a-Lago had national security implications, CNN reported earlier this week.
            
            Earlier this spring, federal investigators began interviewing members of Trump's staff at Mar-a-Lago and former White House officials who were involved in moving documents from the West Wing to his Palm Beach residence at the end of his presidency, according to three people familiar with those interviews.
            In addition to the grand jury subpoena for documents, CNN previously reported that federal investigators separately served a subpoena for surveillance video at Mar-a-Lago, seeking to gather information about who had access to areas where documents were stored, according to people briefed on the matter. The subpoena served to the Trump Organization, the former President's company that operates the Palm Beach property, came after the June meeting.
            
            

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               GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               The AG's statement, (today), was a dud. He knocked down two, (of dozens), media speculations. The AG did personally sign off on the search warrant request, and Pres. Trump's lawyers do have physical possession of the search warrant documents.
               
               The first was not a biggie, I think the rumor that the AG didn't know the FBI was going to do the raid was too much of a stretch for all but the most fervent.  But the second knocks out any support for the claims Pres. Trump didn't have the documents to release.
               
               I did stumble across a symbolic preview of the coming explanations and interpretations:
               
               Understanding What it Means
               
               *give it 3 minutes, I bet your emoji changes
               
               GA

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                  IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  I think he did was he was supposed to do, not a political spectacle like we were used to. He said the DOJ filed a motion to unseal the warrant and property receipt. He clarified some of the "concerns" and assured the public the DOJ is protecting Trump & co. rights but also the investigation. He also defended the reputation of the DOJ and FBI without any political statement. Finally made clear they'll follow rules/protocol/law. I think he rose to the occasion.
                  
                  Obviously we all wanted for him to say more.

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   Kathleen Cochranposted 2 years ago

   "start wondering instead of reacting" a step in the right direction.

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   IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

   Donald Trump is not only whining as he always does, but now he suggested that the FBI could have planted evidence. Even with all the death threats against FBI agents, Wray and Garland, he's getting his crazies ready. SMH
   
   
   Edit: I just watched Bannon and Alex Jones following the talking point.

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    IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

    Yup, the new talking point. Falling in line.
    
    
    Btw, the meltdown. LOL
    
    https://youtu.be/Pi5rw9Uaz4Q?t=211
    
    
    I guess they're sure the FBI found/will find something.

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       IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Remember their talking point?
       
       Oops!!
       
       Former President Donald Trump's attorney said Trump watched from New York as the FBI searched his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida on Monday.
       
       Christina Bobb, one of Trump's lawyers, made this comment during a Thursday appearance on the right-wing media network Real America's Voice. Bobb told host Gina Loudon that, contrary to rumors that the security cameras had been turned off, the property's security feeds were on for most of the FBI's search.
       
       "I think the folks in New York — President Trump and his family — they probably had a better view than I did. Because they had the CCTV, they were able to watch," Bobb said.
       
       She added that she had not witnessed the raid as she was busy answering investigators' questions, but said the Trump family had seen "the whole thing."
       
       She added that the cameras were only turned off for a "very short period of time" while agents spoke with lawyers about them being on.
       
       
       SMH
       
       Clowns.

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    Kathleen Cochranposted 2 years ago

    I suspect you are right, GA.

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    IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

    From FoxNews
    
    FBI found classified documents during raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence
    
    According to the property receipt, reviewed by Fox News, FBI agents took approximately 20 boxes of items from the premises
    
    U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart signed the warrant on Aug. 5, giving the FBI authority to conduct its search "on or before August 19, 2022," and "in the daytime 6:00 am. to 10:00 p.m."
    
    "The locations to be searched include the ‘45 Office,' all storage rooms, and all other rooms or areas within the premises used or available to be used by FPOTUS and his staff and in which boxes or documents could be stored, including all structures or buildings on the estate," the warrant states, but did not give authority to agents to search areas being occupied by Mar-a-Lago members or not used by Trump and staff.
    
    The warrant gave agents the authority to seize "all physical documents and records constituting evidence, contraband, fruits of crime, or other items illegally possessed" in violation of U.S. Code, including documents with classification markings and presidential records created between Jan. 20, 2017 and Jan. 20, 2021.
    
    According to the property receipt, reviewed by Fox News, FBI agents took approximately 20 boxes of items from the premises, including one set of documents marked as "Various classified/TS/SCI documents," which refers to top secret/ sensitive information.
    
    The property receipt also shows that FBI agents collected four sets of top secret documents, three sets of secret documents, and three sets of confidential documents.
    
    The property receipt does not reveal any details about those records.
    
    The list also includes a "leatherbound box of documents," binders of photos, handwritten notes, miscellaneous documents, miscellaneous top secret documents, miscellaneous confidential documents, and other records.

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       GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       That isn't good news for anti-Trump folks, or their movement. An international spectacle for a  'papers' crime? Surely that's not what this raid was about, right?
       
       GA

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          IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          I dont know. How many are in prison for "paper crimes"?
          Not saying he is guilty/is going to prison. But only an apologist will minimize it. You're sounding like one.
          
          I dont think it is good news for anyone if in fact he had (and why) Top Secret documents after all this time.

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             GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

             That's not like you. What do other folks' convictions have to do with this issue? Who am I an "apologist" for? I have been speaking to the pro and anti sides of the audience, (R v D, L v R, et al), not the players they are watching.
             
             There are no "other folks" comparisons for this instance. The world called me and said that's their opinion too. They also called the media, that's why we're hearing them say stuff like; 'unprecedented', 'never before in history,' 'no other US president ever,' etc.
             
             The speculated violations and charges, that we're hearing about, aren't going to cut it for Trump supporters, maybe even a lot of non-supporters too. Considering The Dem's track record, their credibility is a little shakey, 'right or wrong' might not be so important.
             
             GA

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                Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                Nothing cuts it for Trump supporters, short of Trump being absolved of every charge, regardless or whether it is merited based on the evidence.
                
                I am more concerned about the Republicans track record and their penchant for lies and misinformation. Right or wrong is always important as no one is above the law
                
                Well, isn't it unprecedented, both Trump and thenature of the offenses.The direction of the wind easily show where your affections on this matter lie.

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                   GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                   My affections? This is like the old days, 'if you ain't with me you're agin' me'.
                   
                   You know where my "affections" are, they're with the reality of the point.
                   
                   My point is that if the pursued charges aren't as serious as they have been speculated to be—a level of treasonous espionage violations, whether they are true or not, they will be viewed by Trump supporters, and many not supporters, as more Democrat politics; charging murder for a jaywalking infraction.
                   
                   Maybe I am projecting, and I'm a closet all-those-other-things. We will get to see which view of reality wins.
                   
                   GA
                   *yep, I left that door ajar

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                      Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                      You're projecting, no one is speaking about Trump in regards to this matter in terms of treason or espionage. He is far too dumb to make a good spy.
                      
                      We both know that Garland would have never issued such a warrant unless it was absolutely necessary. I have read that negotiations have been going on for months regarding having Trump submit any and all classified documents in his possession. He was recalcitrant, providing some and not all and in the interests of national security, that is not good enough. So, the result is something that he brought upon himself. Trump had announced the service of the warrant to gin up sympathy that Is totally undeserved. He will put out his hat and ask his chumps for more money to fend off the "deep state" and you know what, they will probably give it to him.
                      
                      The attorney general did his job, it is time that Republicans do theirs by finding a corner, sitting down and being quiet.

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                         GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                         Yep, I agree with most of your comments, except the last line about 'sitting in a corner. I am not saying Pres. Trump is innocent of the accusations. I am saying that if the raid doesn't provide 'serious' violations, in the nature of the charges speculated, then Trump's supporters will chalk this up to just another Democrat political attempt to destroy him.
                         
                         If those charges don't hold, you guys have fired up his base for him.
                         
                         GA

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                            Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                            Your point is well taken.
                            
                            As meticulous as Garland has been regarding this affair, I am sure that he took into consideration every possibility leaving no room for error.
                            
                            Trumpets need to realize that Trump does not get a pass because he is Trump. Whether they find anything or not, Trump avoiding proper protocol was what got him into this mess.
                            
                            And if his supporters cannot see that and believe that he is a King that can never be held accountable for anything he does, then I couldn't care less about their responses or reaction. They can just keep the "Cincinnatis" coming.

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                            IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                            I am saying that if the raid doesn't provide 'serious' violations, in the nature of the charges speculated, then Trump's supporters will chalk this up to just another Democrat political attempt to destroy him.
                            
                            
                            "If"??
                            
                            They already have (chalk this up to just another Democrat political attempt to destroy him).
                            
                            Nothing will change that. Not even if Trump himself were to admit any wrong doing, let a lone a criminal act. You still dont you get that?
                            
                            If those charges don't hold, you guys have fired up his base for him.
                            
                            
                            With this line you're still implying that it is only a political move. I would hope Garland (and his actions til this moment seems to show that) is doing his own by-the-book things. (And Im sure there are a lot of Democrats that hace been pushing DOJ to charge Trump and/or minions, particulary for Jan. 6.)
                            
                            But the investigation of a posible crime shouldnt be a consideration of optics.

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                               GA Andersonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                               I think the raid was 'overdone.' However, and recognizing the political forces pushing this, I don't think it is just political.
                               
                               Optics will always be important. In political situations, it's nearly as important as the quest of the situation. That's not a right or wrong 'fact,' it's a 'reality' fact.
                               
                               I'll hold on to my "if" until we know more than just an inventory list.
                               
                               GA

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                IslandBitesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                An international spectacle for a  'papers' crime?
                
                First of all, there wasnt a spectacle. In fact, we probably wouldnt know about it if it wasnt for Trump himself. Yes, the "raid" was unprecedented. So? You are dismissing the potential gravity of a crime as "paper crimes".
                
                The speculated violations and charges, that we're hearing about, aren't going to cut it for Trump supporters, maybe even a lot of non-supporters too. Considering The Dem's track record, their credibility is a little shakey, 'right or wrong' might not be so important.
                
                Who cares? We're talking about a potential crime. It shouldnt be an issue of perspective.
                
                And with your last sentence, I reaffirm my thoughts.
                
                
                "That's not like you" is precisely what I think.

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    IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

    Search warrant for President Trump's Florida residence unsealed by judge
    
    Read the Search Warrant and Property Receipt
    
    The unsealed warrant shows that investigators were authorized to seize any documents or records with classified markings or related to the “transmission of national defense information or classified material.”
    
    
    The warrant also authorized the seizure of “any evidence of the knowing alteration, destruction, or concealment of any government and/or Presidential Records, or of any documents with classification markings.”
    
    The warrant lists three potential criminal violations that investigators suspected they would find evidence of in the search: concealment or removal of federal records, destruction or alteration of records in a federal investigation and transmitting defense information.
    
    The most serious of the charges, the one involving destroying records in a federal investigation, carries a maximum possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

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    Kathleen Cochranposted 2 years ago

    Oh, AMEN.

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    IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

    From FoxNews
    
    
    Former President Trump's lawyer certified in June that no classified material remained at Mar A Lago
    
    Former President Trump's lawyer certified in June that no classified material was still at Mar-A-Lago, two sources with knowledge of the investigation tell Fox News.
    
    Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations executed a search warrant of former President Trump's Florida estate on Monday and seized items which include 11 sets of material that are listed as classified.
    
    Trump's lawyers previously held a high-level meeting with people from the Justice Department and the FBI, which the former president briefly attended, but it's unclear if the letter was signed during the meeting.
    
    Lawyers for former President Trump could face serious legal consequences if they knowingly gave false information to law enforcement.
    
    Also
    
    Former national security adviser John Bolton said Trump often asked if he could keep sensitive docs
    
    Former national security adviser John Bolton said that former President Trump would often ask his intelligence briefers if he could keep sensitive documents that were shown to him.
    
    Bolton said that the practice "worried me."

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    IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

    The FBI is investigating an "unprecedented" number of threats against personnel following the Mar-a-Lago raid.
    
    Still, Trump, his minions and rightwing media keep repeating the new talking point: the FBI planted evidence. The talking point started before the warrant was made public.
    
    A Trump follower and Truth Social user, posted multiple violent messages revealing his plans. The same man went on and attacked Cincinnati FBI office and got killed.
    
    But that wasnt enough. Now "someone" leak the unredacted warrant, doxxing the names of the FBI agents. Breibart published the leaked warrant.
    
    Hours later, Garrett Ziegler, a former aide to then-President Trump's trade adviser, took to social media to also name the agents.
    
    "This is one of the two feds who signed the 'Receipt for Property' form, which detailed—at a very high level—the fishing expedition that the FBI performed at Mar-a-Lago," Ziegler wrote on both Truth Social and Telegram.
    Along with the message, Ziegler shared the FBI agents' date of birth, work emails, and supposed links to family members' social media accounts.
    Ziegler also posted images and information about Judge Bruce Reinhart, who approved the search warrant.

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    IslandBitesposted 2 years ago

    DOJ says unsealing Trump warrant affidavit would jeopardize investigation
    
    Federal prosecutors submitted a court filing opposing any efforts to unseal the document laying out probable cause for the search.
    
    “The affidavit supporting the search warrant presents a very different set of considerations,” the filing reads. “There remain compelling reasons, including to protect the integrity of an ongoing law enforcement investigation that implicates national security, that support keeping the affidavit sealed.”
    
    The court filing submitted Monday argued that disclosing the affidavit used to secure the Mar-a-Lago warrant would cause “significant and irreparable damage to this ongoing criminal investigation.”
    
    They argued that revealing sensitive information about the investigation could also affect law enforcement’s ability to secure cooperation from potential witnesses and risk revealing identifying details about any witnesses who are already working with investigators.

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