AG Merrick Garland files motion to unseal Trump search warrant


Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday said the Justice Department has asked a judge to unseal the search warrant and the "supporting documents" used in the FBI's raid of former President Donald Trump's Florida mansion, The New York Times summarizes.
The AG said he approved the initial decision to seek a search warrant after "less intrusive" attempts at recovering the documents Trump is thought to have improperly taken from the White House failed, the Times notes. "The department does not take such a decision lightly," he said.
Garland also took the time to defend "the men and women of the FBI and the Justice Department" — whom he called "dedicated, patriotic public servants" — from recent criticism by supporters of the former president, who have claimed the agents acted politically and unfairly in their search. "I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked," Garland said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Notably, the search warrant in this case "was sealed for a reason" (as they often are), writes USA Today, and "unsealing it to appease political supporters of Trump — or his detractors — would go against long-standing Justice Department policy and tradition."
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier Thursday that Trump had received a subpoena earlier this year in search of the documents, seemingly corroborating that the DOJ attempted "less intrusive" actions prior to Monday's raid.
Trump's lawyers may now respond to, and raise any objections regarding, the DOJ's request to unseal the warrant before the judge issues a decision, notes The Wall Street Journal.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
5 bunker-busting cartoons about the Israel-Iran war
Cartoons Political cartoonists take on Iran waiting for Pete Hegseth to leak war plans and Donald Trump's wish for a Nobel prize
-
Malaysia's delicious food and glorious beaches
The Week Recommends From 'colourful' George Town to the 'jungled interior' of Langkawi, Malaysia is incredibly diverse
-
Is the US sliding into autocracy?
Talking Point Donald Trump's use of federal troops on home ground, dismissal of dissent and 'braggadocious' military posturing are all symptoms of a shifting political culture
-
Is the US sliding into autocracy?
Talking Point Donald Trump's use of federal troops on home ground, dismissal of dissent and 'braggadocious' military posturing are all symptoms of a shifting political culture
-
Court allows National Guard in LA as Dodgers repel feds
Speed Read The team said they 'denied entry' to ICE agents seeking to enter their stadium
-
'Is it even possible to enjoy a trip without contributing to the problem?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump ramps up Iran threats, demands 'surrender'
Speed Read Trump met with his top aides in the Situation Room on Tuesday
-
Travel ban: It's back and it's bigger
Feature Trump revives a controversial travel ban, targeting mostly poor, nonwhite countries
-
'Big Oil does not accept responsibility'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
ABA sues Trump over 'law firm intimidation policy'
Speed Read Trump has 'used the vast powers of the executive branch to coerce lawyers,' the lawsuit said
-
Judge orders Trump's NIH grant cuts reversed
Speed Read Trump had attempted to slash more than $1 billion in research grants