Special counsel obtained search warrant for Twitter to turn over info on Trump's account: documents

Special counsel Jack Smith's team obtained a search warrant in January for records related to former President Donald Trump's Twitter account, according to court documents.

Associated Press

Aug 9, 2023, 5:18 PM

Updated 281 days ago

Share:

Special counsel obtained search warrant for Twitter to turn over info on Trump's account: documents
Special counsel Jack Smith's team obtained a search warrant in January for records related to former President Donald Trump's Twitter account, and a judge levied a $350,000 fine on the company for a delay in complying, according to court documents released Wednesday.
The details were included in a decision from the federal appeals court in Washington rejecting Twitter's claim that a lower court judge was wrong to hold the company in contempt and impose the sanction.
The filing says Smith obtained a search warrant directing twitter to produce “data and records” related to Trump's Twitter account as well as a nondisclosure agreement prohibiting Twitter from disclosing the search warrant. The filing says the court "found probable cause to search the Twitter account for evidence of criminal offenses."
Smith has charged Trump, in an indictment unsealed last week, with conspiring to subvert the will of voters and cling to power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump, a Republican, has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of Congress' certification of Biden's win.
Trump says he is innocent and has portrayed the investigation as political motivated. His legal team has indicated it will argue that Trump was relying on the advice of lawyers around him in 2020 and had the right to challenge an election he believed was rigged.
Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
A spokesman for the special counsel’s office declined to comment on the warrant or what exactly it sought. X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, sent an automated reply to a request for comment, saying it would respond soon.


More from News 12
2:02
Haledon school put in shelter-in-place due to bear sighting near campus

Haledon school put in shelter-in-place due to bear sighting near campus

2:29
Sunshine, warmer temps expected to return Friday; expect some clouds and rain Saturday

Sunshine, warmer temps expected to return Friday; expect some clouds and rain Saturday

2:03
Months of rainy weekends impacting some New Jersey businesses this spring

Months of rainy weekends impacting some New Jersey businesses this spring

1:32
Cops in Crosswalks: Bloomfield police target drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians

Cops in Crosswalks: Bloomfield police target drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians

0:23
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Delivery driver seen carelessly tossing package from car window

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Delivery driver seen carelessly tossing package from car window

0:48
Peapack-Gladstone officials approve plan to euthanize geese in town

Peapack-Gladstone officials approve plan to euthanize geese in town

0:31
Jersey Proud: Boy asks for food donations instead of gifts for 6th birthday

Jersey Proud: Boy asks for food donations instead of gifts for 6th birthday

0:23
Kean University holds commencement ceremony with special guest Neil deGrasse Tyson

Kean University holds commencement ceremony with special guest Neil deGrasse Tyson

2:50
Sen. Bob Menendez reveals his wife has breast cancer as presentation of evidence begins at his trial

Sen. Bob Menendez reveals his wife has breast cancer as presentation of evidence begins at his trial

5:35
Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

0:16
Police: Teen hit, pinned by SUV in North Bergen

Police: Teen hit, pinned by SUV in North Bergen

0:25
Police: 1 dog dies following bear attack in Sparta

Police: 1 dog dies following bear attack in Sparta

0:18
Jackknifed tractor-trailer, fuel spill temporarily shuts down portion of Route 1 & 9

Jackknifed tractor-trailer, fuel spill temporarily shuts down portion of Route 1 & 9

2:15
Looking for a fun filled day outdoors? Get lost in the woods at Wharton State Forest

Looking for a fun filled day outdoors? Get lost in the woods at Wharton State Forest

1:51
Christian group's rule keeping Ocean Grove beaches closed on Sunday mornings may end

Christian group's rule keeping Ocean Grove beaches closed on Sunday mornings may end

0:27
Trenton woman accused of assaulting infant in social media video

Trenton woman accused of assaulting infant in social media video

0:43
NJ Transit announces refund policy for unused one-way tickets

NJ Transit announces refund policy for unused one-way tickets

0:25
Newark woman sentenced to 12 years in prison for role in Jersey City armed robbery spree

Newark woman sentenced to 12 years in prison for role in Jersey City armed robbery spree

0:42
NFL releases 2024 schedule. A look at the Giants, Jets’ home openers

NFL releases 2024 schedule. A look at the Giants, Jets’ home openers

1:52
Asbury Park announces free concert series for the public this summer

Asbury Park announces free concert series for the public this summer