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FBI officials did not believe they had probable cause to raid then-former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in 2022, according to newly released documents. (Department of Justice - file / AP; Steve Helber - file / AP)

Newly Declassified Emails Show FBI Desperately Wanted to Avoid Mar-a-Lago Raid, Begged Biden's DOJ for Other Options, But Was Denied

By Randy DeSoto December 17, 2025 at 1:23pm

Newly declassified documents show that FBI officials did not believe they had probable cause to conduct the 2022 raid of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, but the Biden Justice Department pushed for it anyway.

In June 2023, special counsel Jack Smith’s office charged Trump and aide Walt Nauta with unlawfully retaining classified documents related to national defense and obstructing justice in their recovery.

Before bringing the 37-count indictment, FBI agents raided Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and took boxes of materials away.

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Tags:

Chuck Grassley, Department of Justice, Donald Trump, FBI, Merrick Garland

Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars