Former President Donald Trump diverted sharply from economic themes during a campaign-style speech in North Carolina on Friday, launching into a detailed and unusual complaint about the 2022 FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate, specifically alleging agents rummaged through First Lady Melania Trump's underwear drawer.
From Economy to Underwear: A Speech Detour
While ostensibly addressing the economy en route to his Florida residence for a Christmas holiday, Trump focused heavily on the August 2022 search, which was part of a federal investigation into his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. He branded the operation "illegal and disgusting".
"They went into my wife’s closet... They looked at her drawers," Trump told the audience. He described Melania Trump as a "very meticulous person" whose "undergarments… sometimes referred to as panties, are folded, perfect." He claimed agents left the contents "a mess" and also entered his young son's room, calling the officials "thugs."
Compensation Claims Skyrocket to $1 Billion
Trump also revisited his financial demands related to the two federal probes launched under the Biden administration: one concerning the classified documents and another into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He had previously filed administrative claims seeking $230 million in compensation.
During Friday's remarks, he dramatically increased that figure. "I brought a lawsuit and I’m winning the lawsuit. There's only one problem: I'm the one that has to settle it," Trump stated, referencing his post-2024 election victory. "So, maybe I'll give myself $1 billion and give it all to charity." Moments later, he appeared to reconsider, adding, "Actually, maybe I shouldn't give it to charity. Maybe I should keep the money."
Legal Backdrop and Contested Evidence
The speech followed a week of significant legal developments. Former Special Prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the investigations until they were dropped following Trump's 2024 election win, told lawmakers in a closed-door interview that his team had gathered "powerful evidence" Trump broke the law by retaining classified documents.
Simultaneously, emails released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley revealed tension between the FBI and Justice Department before the raid, with the FBI reportedly doubting probable cause for the search warrant on Trump's Palm Beach property, while the DOJ insisted it existed.
Trump concluded his rallying cry by insisting, "We have all the evidence, and we have to do something about it," a statement met with applause from his supporters.
