Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns about the FBI’s search at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s residence, in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Jordan expects a clear explanation by the end of the week.
The letter examines the FBI’s approach in investigating Trump compared to similar cases, suggesting biased targeting by the Justice Department under President Biden.
Steven D’Antuono, former assistant director-in-charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, reported these irregularities to Congress. His interview took place on June 7, shortly before Trump’s indictment by the Biden Justice Department.
Jordan referred to D’Antuono’s concerns and highlighted distinct aspects of case management in his letter to Garland.
D’Antuono, a seasoned FBI veteran, expressed worry about the bureau being unfairly blamed for the search of Trump’s residence once again.
🚨 #BREAKING: @Jim_Jordan reveals new information on Trump raid and events surrounding indictment.
Link: https://t.co/lKoX5u6wWO pic.twitter.com/AsyzvvKGHx
— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) June 9, 2023
D’Antuono pointed out the following anomalies:
- The decision to delegate the search warrant execution to the Washington Field Office (WFO) instead of the Miami Field Office, the latter being the locality of the search. D’Antuono questioned the absence of the Miami Field Office’s leadership in this operation.
- The lack of a U.S. Attorney’s assignment to this significant investigative matter. D’Antuono found this unusual and was dissatisfied with the inadequate explanation provided, given that the National Security Division, under the leadership of Jay Bratt, was appointed to handle the case.
- The FBI’s uncharacteristic haste in executing the search warrant without initially seeking consent. D’Antuono advocated for the importance of consent-seeking for the welfare of all parties involved.
- The refusal of the FBI to wait for Trump’s attorney before the search began. D’Antuono advocated for acquiring consent to search before the warrant application.
Jordan requested Garland to provide all relevant documents related to the concerns by June 16, 2023.
He pointed out the potential indictment of Trump, highlighting the lack of charges against Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden for alleged mishandling of classified information. This double standard and potential miscarriage of justice were emphasized. Jordan also expressed that the details about the search warrant execution at Trump’s residence worsen concerns about political bias in the prosecution.
