1776Reporting
The FBI has handed back personal belongings seized from Donald Trump’s Florida estate, marking the latest chapter in the ongoing legal and political battle surrounding the former president.
On Friday, boxes of Trump’s property, taken during the 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago, were transported back to Florida aboard Air Force One. White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed the transfer, stating, “The FBI is giving the President his property back that was taken during the unlawful and illegal raids. We are taking possession of the boxes today and loading them onto Air Force One.”
A Raid That Sparked Outrage
The August 2022 search, executed under the pretext of a classified documents investigation, saw federal agents seize 33 boxes of materials Trump had retained after his presidency. The unprecedented raid fueled allegations of political persecution and deepened the divide between Trump’s supporters and the Justice Department.
In response to the seizure, Trump launched a legal battle, suing the Justice Department for $100 million in August 2024. The lawsuit accused federal authorities of “intrusion upon seclusion, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process.” At the time, Cheung, then serving as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign, blasted the Justice Department, calling the raid an act of “blatant Election Interference by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s weaponized Department of Justice.”
“Truth and Justice Always Win”
Trump’s legal team, led by Alina Habba, played a key role in retrieving the confiscated property. In a statement on X, Habba announced that she personally handled the transfer. “Justice has been and will continue to be restored in this country under President Trump,” she declared. “TRUTH AND JUSTICE ALWAYS WIN IN THE END.”
The return of the property was hailed by Trump’s allies as vindication, reinforcing their claims that the investigation was politically motivated.
Melania Speaks Out
The fallout from the Mar-a-Lago search extended beyond Trump himself. Former First Lady Melania Trump also voiced her outrage over the invasion of their personal space. In a video promoting her book, she recalled her reaction to the search, stating, “I never imagined my privacy would be invaded by the government here in America. The FBI raided my home in Florida and searched through my personal belongings. This is not just my story, it serves as a warning to all Americans, a reminder that our freedom and rights must be respected.”
Her remarks underscored the broader concerns about government overreach and personal privacy, themes that have resonated deeply with Trump’s base.
The Case That Fell Apart
The investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents was one of the most high-profile legal battles of his post-presidency. It led to the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith, who also investigated Trump’s role in the events surrounding January 6.
However, the legal pursuit hit a dead end when U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July 2024. She ruled that Smith’s appointment had been unlawful, effectively shutting down one of the most aggressive attempts to prosecute Trump.
A Symbolic Victory for Trump
With the return of his property, Trump’s supporters view this moment as a symbolic victory—a turning point in his fight against what he describes as a corrupt justice system. The legal battles may not be over, but for now, Trump can claim a win, one box at a time.
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