In January, the US special counsel investigating Donald Trump obtained a covert search warrant for the former president's Twitter data, as revealed in recently unsealed records.

The request made by Jack Smith sought "data and records" linked to Mr. Trump's account, potentially encompassing unpublished posts.

Although Twitter initially resisted, it ultimately complied with the warrant, albeit missing a court-ordered deadline by three days. This delay led to a $350,000 (£275,000) fine for contempt of court.

The disclosure of the search warrant and the ensuing legal battle came to light in court documents unveiled on Wednesday.

The unsealed ruling, with some redactions, highlights that Twitter's legal team didn't oppose the warrant itself, but contested the nondisclosure order that maintained its secrecy.

The company, now operating under Elon Musk's ownership and referred to as X, argued for the ability to inform customers whose accounts might be subject to search warrants.

X handed over the data in February but appealed the fine. Its case was rejected by a US appeals court last month.

There is little indication in the documents about what exactly Mr. Smith was seeking, with the court filing noting only that the warrant directed the company "to produce data and records" related to Mr. Trump's account.

The US congressional panel investigating the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot found that Mr. Trump had drafted - but never sent - a tweet urging his supporters to come to Washington.

It said: "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 account, which has 86.5m followers, was suspended after the riot.

It was reinstated in November 2022 after Mr. Musk ran a poll asking users whether the former president should be allowed back on the platform.

Mr. Trump has not posted on X since being reinstated, instead preferring to use his own Truth Social network.

Experts have noted that his Truth Social business contracts mean he potentially stands to lose millions if he resumes posting on X.

Mr. Trump responded to news of the search warrant on Truth Social, writing that it was a "major 'hit' on my civil rights... These are DARK DAYS IN AMERICA!"

He has been charged in the two investigations led by Mr. Smith, one surrounding events following the 2020 election and the other relating to the handling of classified documents.

Trump is in trouble

Really?.