Donald J. Trump, the former President of the United States, has found himself in more controversy, this time, regarding the FBI. What he states as a, “[…]raid by the FBI of Mar-a-Lago, they stole my three Passports[…]” according to a post from on his social media platform, Truth Social. From this large event for the Republican party, many have taken their outrage to other FBI buildings across the country, with the first dated attacks coming in on August 11th, 2022, just three days after the search. 

What does this mean for the future of Donald Trump, and his possible second term? Well, it’s complicated. The following bullet points are events that occurred after the raid.

The Mar-a-Lago Raid, August 8th, 2022, 10:00am.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for Trump’s estate, Mar-a-Lago, at Palm Beach Florida, for “15 boxes of documents that Trump took to Mar-a-Lago when he departed the White House — some of which the National Archives has said were marked classified.” They raided his estate that morning, and it wasn’t long before his supporters, and other republicans voiced their dismay for this event.

“The raid of MAL is another escalation in the weaponization of federal agencies against the Regime’s political opponents, while people like Hunter Biden get treated with kid gloves,” said by Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis on Twitter, who recently tried to publish a “Stop-WOKE” law.

Along with Republican minority leader for the House, Kevin McCarthy, tweeting, “Attorney General Garland: preserve your documents and clear your calendar.” Then going on to post a picture of a document, further saying, “when Republicans take back over the House, we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts, and leave no stones unturned.”

Though, later that night, and ongoing, Trump’s supporters take to rallies across the country, some of which entail FBI buildings. 

“Kill the FBI on sight.” August 11th, 2022

Ricky Walter Shiffer, Jr., an Iraq War Veteran, attempted to “breach the Visitor Screening Facility,” an FBI spokesperson who spoke to POLITICO. He was armed with a gun, and was  wearing body armor, said the FBI. After the alarm sounded, he took police  and special agents on in a car chase. This small demonstration  then sprouted much further. “The FBI said they’ve been looking into an unprecedented number of threats to bureau personnel and property since the raid on Trump’s home.” Following this, the FBI headquarters in D.C erected a fence, fearing any number of threats that could happen. 

According to NPR, an account under Shiffer’s name, posted to Truth Social, Trump’s social media app, detailing an, “insurrection against the people who usurped our government,” and, “Kill the FBI on sight.” Along with other political statements to Twitter and Truth Social.

Trump Supporters, Phoenix, and FBI.

In the short video, Sean Campbell of News2Share, shows Trump supporters waving American flags, MAGA flags, and wearing body armor. Signs were posted around the street, reading messages such as, “FBI, honor your oath. Arrest all Traitors,” along with, “F.B.I SetUp J.6 (January 6th Insurrection) Patriots.” Both of these reference the conspiracies going around about the Insurrection of January 6th. One popular theory was that ANTIFA (Anti-Facist Organization)  was responsible for the Insurrection,  with that idea then evolving to the FBI.

Many of the Protesters openly carried weapons including assault rifles, and were wearing helmets. Some even carried confederate flags, with a van being spray-painted the words, “Trump Won.”

Rallies at Mar-a- Lago.

The night following the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago, people filed in from across Florida in support of Trump, rallying outside of his residence in Mar-a-Lago. 

“We’re gonna keep coming back and we’re going to be here until we take America back,” Yumary Boganwright said, part of the caravan carrying hundreds up to Mar-a-Lago. The following rallies went on for seemingly all night, protesting with their MAGA merchandise. With that, Trump posted a message on Truth Social which concluded with, “Please rush in a donation IMMEDIATELY to publicly stand with me against this NEVERENDING WITCH HUNT.” It’s believed that he’s pulled over a million dollars a day since the donation went up, according to Business Insider. 

The Future

Although reports could still come in about more rallies, riots, or anything else that could happen in the next few weeks, we come full circle. How will this affect his upcoming election in 2024, if he is fit to run? Many believe this could be the very thing he needed. What seems like an upcoming rise against authority, some republicans have already voiced their opinions.

“If the FBI can raid the home of a former US President, imagine what 87,000 more IRS agents will do to you,” said Jim Banks, Indiana’s 3rd congressional district representative in a Tweet. Right Wing posts have also been posted recently. “The FBI Is Already Interfering in the 2024 Election,” posted by The Righting. Paul Gosar, republican representative of Arizona said, “I will support a complete dismantling and elimination of the democrat brown shirts known as the FBI.  This is too much for our republic to withstand.”

Even then, not everyone believes that, and countless have also said that the FBI is not to blame. Former Vice President, Mike Pence said, “We can hold the attorney general accountable for the decision that he made without attacking the rank-and-file law enforcement personnel at the FBI.” 

Even as history pans out in front of us, it’s important to remember the words of Abraham Lincoln.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”