Mon Nov 03 22:20:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOJ Official Said Trump Should Be Arrested After Classified Document Discovery, New Book Reveals

WASHINGTON – A Justice Department official expressed the belief that former President Donald Trump should be arrested following the discovery of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in August 2022, according to excerpts from a new book by veteran reporters Aaron C. Davis and Carol Leonnig. The book excerpt, published on MSNBC.com Monday, details how FBI agents found hundreds of top-secret records in Trump’s office, residence, and even his bathroom during a surprise raid.

According to the excerpt, Julie Edelstein, the Justice Department’s top expert on the mishandling of classified records, stated at the time, “If it was anybody else, we would arrest him tomorrow.” Officials feared the documents, if mishandled, could endanger American operatives.

While removing and concealing classified documents are crimes, Trump initially avoided charges. He eventually faced 37 felony counts related to the mishandling of records after Special Counsel Jack Smith took over the case a year later. However, the case reportedly faltered after a Trump-appointed judge dismissed the charges.

Trump has since claimed the raid was politically motivated, seeking $230 million in damages from the DOJ, claiming he was “damaged very greatly” by the investigations. He has vowed to donate any money received to charity or use it to fund his new White House ballroom.

The White House and DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for comment. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a statement claiming the court-approved search at Trump’s club was illegal, MSNBC reported.“The Biden DOJ’s raid on President Trump’s home was highly illegal and yet, MSDNC continues to provide cover for the witch hunt against the President,” the statement read. “This is another perfect example as to why the American people no longer trust the media.”

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