In an exclusive interview with Fox News, former President Donald Trump spoke about the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago on Sept. 21.
“I was in New Jersey, I got a call in the morning ... ‘Sir, the FBI just came in,’" Trump told host Sean Hannity.
Trump said one of his staffers claimed "many" FBI agents were present during the raid. Around 4 p.m. EST, Trump said he received phone calls from media officials asking the former President for a statement about his residence.
"Well, let's put out a notice that we were attacked or raided or broken in by the FBI," said Trump. "I couldn't believe it."
According to Trump, the FBI requested the security cameras be disabled and would not allow Trump’s lawyers to be present during the raid. While footage of the raid has not been released by Trump’s team as of Thursday, the former President suggested he would be open to releasing an edited version to protect FBI agents’ anonymity. Trump claimed the FBI also raided former First Lady Melania Trump's wardrobe along with 16-year-old son Barron Trump's room.
Items taken from Trump's residence included passports, medical records, tax records, and around 500 pages of attorney-client privileged information which Trump was unsure if they had been returned as of yet. The former President also said he believes the FBI obtained his will during the raid.
"I think they took my will," said Trump. "I found out yesterday ... I think they took my will."
"That could cause a lot of problems if that gets published from people that won't be so happy," Trump continued. He jokingly added, "Or maybe [they] will be very happy."
The former President confirmed in the interview that he had no involvement in what was packed during his exit. According to Trump, contents packed by GSA and White House officials were mundane items, including clothing, pictures, and other household and kitchen items — all of which followed guidelines set by the Presidential Records Act (PRA) of 1978.
On Aug. 8 the FBI executed a search warrant authorized by United States Attorney General Merrick Garland at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence over his alleged violation of the espionage act, destroying or concealing evidence to obstruct federal government activity, and the illegal removal of federal records.
"First, I personally approved the decision to seek a search warrant in this matter," said Garland in a public statement at the Justice Department.“Second, the department does not take such a decision lightly. Where possible, it is standard practice to seek less intrusive means as an alternative to a search and to narrowly scope any search that is undertaken. Third, let me address recent unfounded attacks on the professionalism of the FBI and Justice Department agents and prosecutors. I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked. The men and women of the FBI and the Justice Department are dedicated, patriotic public servants. Every day they protect the American people from violent crime, terrorism, and other threats to their safety while safeguarding our civil rights. They do so at great personal sacrifice and risk to themselves. I am honored to work alongside them.”
Garland declined to provide additional details surrounding the Mar-a-Lago raid though said more information would become available at an appropriate time.
