The DOJ asked the Court to unseal the Trump Search warrant? That's rich, and weird as hell....

Trump has three options:
1. Agree to the release of the documents.
2. Disagree with the release of the documents.
3. Release the documents himself.

None of the three are beneficial to Trump. He could release a version of the documents that changes factual information to his benefit, and tell his attorneys to oppose the release of the documents from the Court. This would be consistent with his propensity to lie bigly and tell the story he wants to tell without regard for fact. One would hope that should he choose this route, the Court would release the action documents so people can see his lies.

SW-User

I think this article excerpt sums it up nicely.

The DOJ is a risk-averse body by nature, and the attorney general, Merrick Garland, has been especially timid and squeamish even by the standards of his office. He didn’t want to pursue what could look like a politically motivated prosecution of a political opponent; he didn’t want to annoy the sizeable minority of the US that sees Trump as a beloved, almost messianic figure.

It long looked as if the department would not have the stomach for a real investigation of Trump – that they would allow his crimes to go unanswered for fear of appearing too political. But the hearings surfaced new evidence, and brought new pressure to bear on the department – that of an outraged populace.

Even though a chunk of the country adores Trump, most Americans think he’s a corrupt crook. Nearly 60% said he should be prosecuted for the events of 6 January, according to a recent poll. Reports from the Justice Department’s own inquiry indicate that the investigation recently turned to Trump’s own role in the scheme to overturn the election by sending fake electors to Congress.

It’s possible that, to Garland, the worry about what it would look like if he tried to hold Trump accountable has finally been eclipsed by the worry about what it would look like if he didn’t.

Ynotisay · M

Trump could release it. He could also argue against unsealing it. I don't see that happening. Transparency doesn't usually follow "the Fifth."

Northwest · M

This is the only card Garland has to play. The FBI tried to conduct the search under the radar screen. Trump publicized it.

windinhishair · 61-69, M

The Boston Globe is reporting tonight that some of the documents that were specifically being sought that Trump was holding on to deal with nuclear weapons. If true, his behavior could be treasonous. Hopefully his phone calls are being monitored.

BackyardShaman · 61-69, M

My first reaction was yes it’s really too weird and catering to the far right and their followers, but it’s likely a good move since it demonstrates the DOJ has nothing to hide here and Trump’s group would likely produce a fake warrant and list soon anyway.

sunsporter1649 · 70-79, M

RedBaron · M

They did, but are you asking or telling us? Strange use of a question mark.

TexChik · F

I didn’t know Biden got served 😲

MistyCee

Update:

https://www.emptywheel.net/2022/08/11/merrick-garland-calls-trumps-bluff/

Still waiting to see the pleadings and briefing schedule.

TexChik · F

They never made the document visible while serving it as required by law. I wouldnt doubt if they had to run back and write one and make a big deal about it to cover themselves. 🤷‍♀️

CorvusBlackthorne · 100+, M

I also do not feel that it makes Garland partisan, per sé. I suspect he is doing it in order to avoid charges of partisanship. If everyone can see what is in the warrant, it is less likely that those who are crying witch hunt will continue to do so.