Former President Donald Trump plans to sue the Justice Department and FBI for $115 million, alleging “malicious political prosecution” over the court-approved search of his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022. The legal filing, submitted by Trump attorney Daniel Z. Epstein, claims the search and subsequent indictment were intended to hinder Trump’s re-election bid.
Trump’s lawsuit follows his indictment for holding classified documents at his Florida residence, charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. The filing argues that the search violated protocols for handling former presidents and criticizes Special Counsel Jack Smith’s appointment. The Justice Department has not commented on the notice, which is a preliminary step before a potential lawsuit.
The legal battle could escalate, particularly if Trump is re-elected in November, raising questions about the lawsuit’s outcome.
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