The Justice Department declined Monday to unseal the affidavit used to justify the FBI’s search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence last week.
Several media outlets sought the release of the document, which is believed to contain key details into the government’s investigation into Mr. Trump under the Espionage Act.
The Justice Department said, however, that the release of the affidavit could jeopardize its investigation and damage the reputations of those involved.
“Even when the public is already aware of the general nature of the investigation, revealing the specific contents of a search warrant affidavit could alter the investigation’s trajectory, reveal ongoing and future investigative efforts, and undermine agents’ ability to collect evidence or obtain truthful testimony,” the Justice Department said Monday.