The special counsel investigating Donald Trump in the United States has obtained a previously undisclosed search warrant for the former president’s Twitter data. Records recently unsealed indicate that Jack Smith, the special counsel, sought “data and records” from Mr. Trump’s Twitter account, potentially including unpublished posts. Twitter initially resisted complying with the warrant, but ultimately acceded to it, albeit three days after the court-ordered deadline.
This delay led to Twitter, now known as X under Elon Musk’s ownership, being fined $350,000 (£275,000) for contempt of court. Details of this search warrant and the legal dispute surrounding it came to light through court documents unsealed on Wednesday.
The unsealed court ruling, with some redactions still in place, highlighted that Twitter’s legal team did not object to the warrant itself. Instead, they contested the nondisclosure order that kept the warrant confidential. Under Elon Musk’s ownership, the company argued that it should have the right to inform customers whose accounts are subject to search warrants.
While the exact nature of Mr. Smith’s intentions remains somewhat unclear in the documents, the court filing revealed that the warrant directed the company to provide “data and records” associated with Mr. Trump’s account.
In connection with the investigation into the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, a US congressional panel revealed that Mr. Trump had drafted but not published a tweet urging his supporters to gather in Washington. The tweet read: “I will be making a Big Speech at 10 a.m. on January 6th at the Ellipse (South of the White House). Please arrive early, massive crowds expected. March to the Capitol after. Stop the steal!”
The @realdonaldtrump Twitter account, boasting 86.5 million followers, was suspended following the riot. Its reinstatement in November 2022 resulted from a poll conducted by Mr. Musk, which asked users whether the former president should be allowed back on the platform.
Since his reinstatement, Mr. Trump has refrained from posting on X, choosing to prioritize his own social network, Truth Social. Notably, experts have pointed out that due to his Truth Social business arrangements, he could face significant financial losses if he resumes posting on X.
Responding to news of the search warrant on Truth Social, Mr. Trump criticized it as a “major ‘hit'” on his civil rights and expressed concern about the state of affairs in America.
Mr. Trump is facing charges in two investigations led by Mr. Smith, one concerning events following the 2020 election and the other related to classified document handling.
