The Justice Department made the redacted version of their affidavit supporting the search of former US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence public. The document outlines how the DOJ believed the then-president to have kept sensitive documents in an unauthorized location and the FBI believed that they’d uncover evidence of obstruction at Trump’s Florida address. 

While the Republican’s supporters have long asked for the entire document to be redacted, Trump’s own lawyers didn’t pursue the matter. Now, the 76-year-old has slammed the judge’s decision to ask the DOJ to make the affidavit public, saying “Judge Bruce Reinhart should NEVER have allowed the Break-In of my home. He recused himself two months ago from one of my cases based on his animosity and hatred of your favorite President, me”, on Truth Social. 

He added, “What changed? Why hasn’t he recused himself on this case? Obama must be very proud of him right now!” 

Also Read | Redacted Donald Trump search warrant made public: Key takeaways

Taylor Budowich, a Trump spokesperson also said on Twitter “The release of a heavily redacted, overtly political affidavit only proves that the Biden administration is desperate to cover up their unprecedented, unnecessary, and un-American raid against President Donald J. Trump”, adding, “This is a grave travesty, and what is unredacted only further supports President Trump’s position, there was NO reason for a raid – it is all politics!” 

While a large part of the document remains redacted, the rest of it details the basis for the investigation, how the DOJ built their investigation leading up to the search at Mar-a-Lago, and the claims from Trump’s legal team that the then-president has the absolute authority to declassify documents. 

Also Read | Trump’s Mar-a-Lago FBI raid: DOJ feared documents release could harm probe

“The government is conducting a criminal investigation concerning the improper removal and storage of classified information in unauthorized spaces, as well as the unlawful concealment or removal of government records”, the affidavit says.