Read CNBC’s coverage of Garland’s comments here.
Attorney General Merrick Garland plans to make a statement Thursday afternoon, three days after FBI agents raided former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence.
The Justice Department, which Garland heads, has faced pressure since that raid to give a public explanation for the search of Trump’s home at his Mar-a-Lago club.
Trump, who is a Republican, and his allies have said the search was politically motivated and pointed the finger at the administration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, for condemning the probe.
The FBI seized a dozen boxes from the residence on Monday, according to Trump’s lawyer, Christina Bobb.
He said agents left a copy of the search warrant, which indicated they are investigating possible violations of laws related to the Presidential Records Act and the handling of classified material.
A senior White House official told NBC News on Thursday that they did not know what Garland would say.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks to the press at the Department of Justice after the three defendants were found guilty of federal hate crimes in the killing of a young black man, Ahmaud Arbrey in Washington, DC, USA , on February 22, 2022.
Nicholas Kamm | Reuters
“We had no notice that he was making comments and no information about their content,” the official said.
The Justice Department and Garland have a longstanding policy of not commenting on criminal investigations before charges are filed.
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
