FBI took boxes and documents in Trump search, sources say

(CBS) — The FBI took boxes and documents while executing a search warrant at former President Donald Trump’s home in Florida on Monday, two sources confirmed to CBS News. No electronics were taken, according to the sources.

Trump said Monday night that his Mar-a-Lago resort was being “raided” by the FBI. Sources confirmed to CBS News that the search was connected to a Justice Department investigation that was prompted by the National Archives earlier this year, when the agency said it found 15 boxes of presidential records, including classified material, at Mar-a-Lago.

One official said some or possibly all of the seized documents contained classified material.

A source in Palm Beach, Florida, who is close to Trump told CBS News on Monday that the search was “related to PRA,” or the Presidential Records Act. “When have you ever heard about a raid because of PRA?”  the source asked.

The Presidential Records Act, which was enacted in 1978, governs the records-keeping responsibilities of former presidents. It requires any memos, letters, emails and other documents related to the president’s duties to be preserved and given to the National Archives at the end of an administration.

In February, the National Archives asked the Justice Department to investigate Trump’s handling of documents. The National Archives said then that some of the documents Trump turned over to them had been ripped up and taped back together.

On Monday, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman released photos from her upcoming book that appeared to show at least two instances where Trump tried to flush documents down the toilet.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before,” Trump said in a statement on Monday. “After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.”

Republicans blasted the search, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy vowing that if the party takes back the House, “we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts and leave no stone unturned.” He warned, “Attorney General Garland: preserve your documents and clear your calendar.”

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis issued the following statement on the FBI searching former President Trump’s home:

“The American people’s faith in the Department of Justice has been eroding due to the perception that political considerations can override the fair application of the law. The FBI’s search of former President Trump’s home will further fuel this distrust, especially when the DOJ has provided no transparency on the process or level of merit behind the decision. The optics are especially disturbing considering that Presidents Biden and Trump are past and potentially future political opponents. The DOJ owes the American people a thorough explanation regarding their decision-making process, including the release of the warrant, the warrant application, and why they decided to execute this search when President Trump’s lawyers were already cooperating with the National Archives. We desperately need Congress to provide robust oversight and accountability to ensure partisan politics are not dictating decisions at the DOJ.”