Trump Requests FBI to Halt Review of Seized Items... "Must Appoint Reviewers"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former U.S. President Donald Trump requested the federal court on the 22nd (local time) to temporarily halt the government's review of the seized items related to the FBI's search and seizure at his Mar-a-Lago residence. He argued that since there is suspicion of political intent behind the search, the materials should be reviewed neutrally by a special master appointed by the court.
According to Bloomberg and other sources, Trump's legal team submitted a motion to the U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Florida, demanding that the Department of Justice provide a detailed property receipt for the classified documents seized and halt the government's review of the seized items until a special master is appointed.
A special master is appointed when the materials seized by prosecutors are protected by attorney-client privilege or other factors, making it difficult for investigators to review them. Foreign media reported that typically a retired judge or a third party serves as the special master.
Trump's side stated, "Politics cannot be allowed to influence the judiciary," and argued that items seized beyond the scope of the arrest warrant should also be returned by the Department of Justice.
Earlier, on the 8th, the FBI conducted a search and seizure at Trump's residence within the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, confiscating 11 classified documents, including Top Secret documents. Following Trump's objections, the Department of Justice requested the federal court to disclose the search warrant, and the court made it public.
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On the same day, the affidavit supporting the issuance of the search warrant was also submitted to the court. However, due to the sensitivity of the matter and witness protection, much of the sensitive information was redacted before submission.
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