Judge orders more Mar-a-Lago search warrant info released in Trump classified docs case.

More of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant Affidavit to be Unsealed

In a recent ruling, a judge has decided to unseal additional portions of the federal government’s search warrant affidavit for Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. This ruling is in connection to the former president’s classified documents case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart stated that more sealed parts of the affidavit used in the FBI raid in August 2022 “should be unsealed.” However, the judge also mentioned that the entire affidavit should not be unsealed, giving the Department of Justice (DOJ) until July 13 to appeal.

In an order, Judge Reinhart wrote that the government “has met its burden of showing that its proposed redactions of the affidavit are narrowly tailored to serve the government’s legitimate interests and are the least onerous alternative to sealing the entire search warrant affidavit.” This response came after media outlets petitioned to unseal the affidavit, which was denied.

The Justice Department agreed in a sealed filing that certain parts of the search warrant could be made public, while other portions should remain sealed to protect grand jury secrecy rules and investigative sources and methods.

It is currently unclear when a less-redacted version of the affidavit will be filed and how the new information will be made available to the public.

Trump’s Indictment and Charges

Last month, Donald Trump was indicted on 37 counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified information, including national defense materials. The charges against him also include conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and other counts. The former president has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors claim that Trump displayed the documents to individuals without security clearances and later attempted to conceal them from his own lawyers as they sought to comply with federal demands. The most serious charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Trump addressed his indictment on his Truth Social app, calling it “a DARK DAY for the United States of America.” He expressed his innocence and vowed to prove it soundly and quickly.

In late June, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon denied a Justice Department request to seal the names of 84 potential witnesses from public view. The request aimed to prevent Trump, who is currently the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential race, from discussing the case with these individuals as it progresses in court. Judge Cannon found the Justice Department’s explanation for sealing the list insufficient.