The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday released a redacted copy of the affidavit that persuaded a U.S. judge to authorize the stunning FBI search of the Florida residence of former president Donald Trump.

Justice Department lawyers had opposed the release of the affidavit but the judge ordered it unsealed with redactions the department said were necessary to protect an ongoing investigation involving national security.

The FBI search, carried out on August 8, was part of an investigation into the potential mishandling of documents which were taken to the former president's home. The affidavit includes evidence gathered by prosecutors and could also reveal new details about the inquiry.

Many parts of the affidavit have been blacked out as the justice department said details in it could compromise an ongoing investigation. The department cites the need to protect the safety of civilian witnesses, and law enforcement personnel as reasons for the redacting of the affidavit.