DelVal Residents React To Raid On Trump's Mar-A-Lago Estate

By DVJ Editor, Delaware Valley Journal

August 10, 2022

The National Archives prevailed upon former President Donald Trump in 2021 after he left office to hand over 15 boxes of presidential materials. He was legally bound to do so. He only did it a year later after much prodding. After receiving the boxes, The National Archives discovered documents that contained “classified national security information.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) began an investigation based on that finding. The search in Mar-a-Lago earlier this week retrieved 10 boxes of government records that Trump still had in his possession.

No criminal charges have been filed against the former president, and the DOJ has remained tight-lipped about its ongoing investigation. “President Trump and his legal team have been cooperative with FBI and DOJ officials every step of the way,” said Christina Bobb, one of Trump’s personal lawyers.

Justice Department officials are declining to comment on any aspect of the search warrant executed at Mar-a-Lago.

However, never in the history of this country has the DOJ or FBI come knocking at a former chief executive’s private residence looking for federal secrets. It was unprecedented.

But what do local citizens think of this news that has crossed America like wildfire? Here is what some had to say in the eastern Pennsylvania/New York region.

“We still don’t have all the facts yet. But no one is above the law. If we don’t stand by that, the whole democratic system is crushed. The DOJ and FBI had sound legal evidence that this had to be done and had every right to do it.” Alyce, 75, North Wales, Pa.

“There was some justification in the search, but we still don’t have all the facts. Although there was some significant evidence that there was a legitimate reason, I don’t think the federal government should be doing this. It sets a very bad precedent. It could insight anger and violence, it’s the last thing this country needs to create – more division. Nothing like this has ever happened before.” Chris, 30. Ambler, Pa.

“The government overreacted with their power and authority. There was something shady going on here. There was no attorney present in the Trump home at the time of the executed search warrant. (Note: There were two attorneys present.) So, what was the purpose?” Cheryl, 68, Orefield, Pa.

“I am not a fan of Trump. He has caused a lot of damage. The DOJ and FBI had enough information to get a search warrant, so everything must be legal about the search. It is not surprising that the Trump loyalists are upset, but I do believe that Trump took documents that he wasn’t supposed to take. Everybody needs to be above board on this. I want to see what happens.” George, 70, North Wales, Pa.

“This search was warranted and justified, it had to be approved at the highest level within the DOJ and FBI. There was compelling evidence to execute the search warrant, although this has never been done before on any previous U.S president. We must preserve all law and order within our American democracy.” Jay, 40, Kings County, N.Y.

“I am happy about it. It was a long time in coming. The issue was a raid versus a subpoena. He can and has defied subpoenas in the past, but he can’t defy a raid. Trump must face the consequences because he has gone for decades without any of his actions being held accountable. I am elated to see this in the headlines as opposed to it being another travesty in the world. It is something different that could happen. It gives us hope.” Andrea, 43, Manhattan, N.Y.

The Delaware Valley Journal provides unbiased, local reporting for the Philadelphia suburbs of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more stories from the Delaware Valley Journal, visit DelawareValleyJournal.com