Former President Donald Trump is escalating his feud with the Biden administration by suing the Justice Department for $100 million over the raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The move to pursue remedies from the Biden DOJ over the search of his estate follows a federal investigation in which Trump was accused of improperly retaining classified documents, leading to 37 felony charges to which he pleaded not guilty, as Breitbart reports.

The Mar-a-Lago Raid

On Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI conducted a raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. This was part of a federal investigation driven by allegations that Trump had improperly kept classified records after leaving office.

The raid raised eyebrows and quickly became a contentious political issue. Trump described the incident on social media, stating, “These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-a-Lago, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents. Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before.”

Special counsel Jack Smith was subsequently appointed to head the investigation. Smith brought 37 felony counts against Trump, including charges of willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements.

Legal Battles and Case Dismissal

Trump has denied all charges, pleading not guilty to each one. The legal proceedings have been complex and high-profile, involving significant challenges and debates over procedural aspects. In a significant turn of events in July, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case against Trump. The judge ruled that Jack Smith had been unlawfully appointed and funded, as per the Constitution’s Appointment Clause.

This dismissal was celebrated by Trump's legal team but has since been appealed by Smith, aiming to reinstate the charges. As these developments continue to unfold, the legal landscape remains uncertain.

Following the dismissal, Trump announced his decision to sue the Justice Department for $100 million, claiming the U.S. government had engaged in tortious conduct.

Trump's attorney, Daniel Epstein, articulated the lawsuit's purpose, stating, “What President Trump is doing here is not just standing up for himself -- he is standing up for all Americans who believe in the rule of law and believe that you should hold the government accountable when it wrongs you.”

Public Response and Political Implications

The raid on Mar-a-Lago and the subsequent legal battles have not seemed to negatively affect Trump's political ambitions. A survey conducted by I&I/TIPP Polls in September 2022 found that the raid did not diminish Trump’s support among Republicans concerning his 2024 presidential bid.

In fact, Trump is now running against Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November election. His continuous stance on the raid and the charges has often been framed as part of a broader narrative of being unjustly targeted by government institutions.

Trump’s remarks about the FBI search included vivid descriptions of what occurred at Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing the personal intrusions experienced by his family. He claimed that the FBI conducted a “deep and ugly search” of his son Barron Trump’s room, and his wife, Melania Trump, reportedly bought a new wardrobe after agents “contaminated” her clothes while searching her room.

The $100 Million Tortious Conduct Lawsuit

The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages, citing tortious conduct by the United States government. A Fox News memo encompassing Trump's claims framed the actions of the government as “tortious conduct by the United States against President Trump.” This legal approach represents one of the most aggressive counters to the investigation led by Jack Smith.

Trump’s decision to file this lawsuit can be seen as part of his longstanding methodology to fight back when confronted with legal challenges. Throughout his career in both business and politics, Trump has often resorted to legal action as a defensive and offensive mechanism.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s $100 million lawsuit against the Justice Department over the Mar-a-Lago raid marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the former president and the Biden administration.

Following a federal investigation into the alleged improper retention of classified documents, Trump faced 37 felony charges, all of which he pleaded not guilty to. A U.S. District Judge later dismissed the case against him, citing improper appointment and funding of Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is now appealing the dismissal.

Despite the legal turmoil, Trump maintains strong support among Republicans as he continues his 2024 presidential campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump’s lawsuit, alleging tortious conduct by the U.S. government, represents his latest move to combat what he perceives as unjust treatment by federal authorities.