Former President Donald Trump is doubling down on his strategy to target the U.S. government and prominent media organizations through the courts, as several criminal cases against him begin to unwind. Recently, aides confirmed Trump is not backing down from his lawsuit seeking $100 million from the FBI over the controversial raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence, which he branded as a 'travesty of justice.'
Trump's approach includes multiple active lawsuits against media companies, particularly focusing on allegations of slander after unfavorable poll coverage. His legal maneuvering follows a trend of dropping criminal charges against him, which have been diminishing like 'dominoes.'
Addressing reporters during his recent press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed outrage at the media, saying, 'We have to straighten out the press. Our press is very corrupt, almost as corrupt as our elections,' reflecting his beliefs about bias and unfairness.
He reiterated specifics concerning the lawsuit filed against the FBI, mentioning it during his Sunday appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' Trump made headlines by criticizing FBI Director Chris Wray, who unexpectedly announced his resignation prior to his term ending, potentially as Trump prepares to reassume the presidency. 'Well, I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home. I’m suing the country over it,' Trump lamented.
Transition spokesman Steven Cheung defended Trump's stance, telling the Daily Mail, 'President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who broke the law in the illegal and unconstitutional raid on his home of Mar-a-Lago.' This sentiment aligns with Trump's broader vision of galvanizing his supporters against what he refers to as the 'Harris-Biden era of partisan lawfare.'
The FBI executed the search warrant at Mar-a-Lago on August 8, 2022, amid investigations concerning Trump’s handling of classified documents. This action has become the centerpiece of Trump's legal backlash, though legal experts have suggested his efforts may face dismissal.
Beyond the FBI lawsuit, Trump remains embroiled in legal action against CBS, stemming from its coverage of Vice President Kamala Harris during the campaign. Trump's grievance included claims the interview misrepresented his stature, alleging bias within the interview presented on '60 Minutes.'
'I didn’t think I was going to lose. I thought it was a dishonest poll, and we’re going to probably prove it because we think we have an obligation to,' Trump reported to Time magazine on the polls he deemed unfavorable, highlighting his strategy to challenge the polling's integrity.
Recent settlements involving media outlets have not only fueled Trump's confidence but also instigated concerns among his critics about the potential for repeated legal actions against news organizations. For example, ABC News recently settled for $15 million with the nonprofit group connected to Trump’s presidential center, acknowledging 'regret' for aspects of their coverage.
He did not shy away from criticizing the media’s handling of sensitive matters. Trump's frustration escalated over CBS's portrayal of the interview with Kamala Harris, labeling it 'grossly incompetent' and 'weird.' This followed previous accusations targeting CBS for 'partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference,' claims the network rejected as 'false.'
Prominent legal actions also include Trump’s suit against notable journalist Bob Woodward, where he contended Woodward illegally sold tapes of interviews. Trump asserted, 'He sold the tapes, which he wasn't allowed to do. He could only use them for reporting purposes.'
Another notable lawsuit involves Trump against the Pulitzer Prize board for awarding the New York Times and Washington Post for their coverage related to the alleged Russia collusion, which Trump has consistently labeled as a 'hoax.' A judge’s ruling earlier this summer permitted the case to move toward the discovery phase, indicating momentum for Trump's legal strategies.
With criminal cases against Trump diminishing, his aggressive legal posture seems strategic, enabling him to redirect focus and narrative as he rallies his base. Trump's actions represent not only legal challenges but also serve as rhetoric to reinforce his claims of victimization.
Whether these tactics will yield successful results remains uncertain, but Trump shows clear dedication to pursuing these legal battles as he continues to cultivate his public image for potential future political contests.
