Mitch McConnell demands answers from Justice Department on Trump raid

McConnell joins other Republicans who have largely rallied behind Trump

By Ben Whedon

Published: August 9, 2022 9:39pm

Updated: August 9, 2022 9:49pm

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday issued a statement demanding the Department of Justice explain the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

“The country deserves a thorough and immediate explanation of what led to the events of Monday. Attorney General Garland and the Department of Justice should already have provided answers to the American people and must do so immediately," McConnell said.

FBI agents with the Washington Field Office on Monday raided the former president's Florida residence in search of classified documents that Trump may have removed from the White House, sources briefed on the raid told Just the News.

"The are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents," Trump said in a Monday statement confirming the raid. "Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before."

McConnell joins other Republicans who have largely rallied behind Trump over the Biden administration's alleged politicization of the justice system to persecute opponents.

Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley earlier issued a similar demand of the Justice Department.

“The Justice Department as a whole bears responsibility in upholding the public trust, and in a matter so consequential to our democratic process, Attorney General Garland also owes the American people full transparency,” he said on Tuesday.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, meanwhile, vowed to investigate the Department of Justice if Republicans secure a majority following the midterm elections.

"I've seen enough," he posted. "The Department of Justice has reached an intolerable state of weaponized politicization. When Republicans take back the House, we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts, and leave no stone unturned. Attorney General Garland, preserve your documents and clear your calendar."