Trump’s Longtime Valet Reveals He Moved Classified Documents, Agrees to Testify

By: Georgia | Published: Mar 12, 2024

A former employee at Mar-a-Lago has come forward with details regarding the movement of certain materials at Donald Trump’s estate. 

In a CNN interview, Brian Butler discussed how he assisted Walt Nauta, an aide to Trump, in loading boxes onto an aircraft. This event took place amidst an investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents.

Recalling the Events

Butler’s account to CNN detailed his role in transporting about 10 to 15 boxes to Trump’s plane. 

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A large crowd of people, many holding up cell phones to take pictures, faces a stationary airplane with the word 'TRUMP' emblazoned on its side

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This occurred at a time when Trump and his legal team were under scrutiny by the Justice Department concerning the possession of unreturned classified materials. The significance of these boxes was later highlighted in a federal indictment.

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Connection to a Federal Indictment

During his CNN interview, Butler mentioned, “the boxes that were in the indictment, the white banker’s boxes. That’s what I remember loading,” thus directly linking his account to evidence cited in a legal context.

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Multiple white cardboard boxes are stacked in a small bathroom, some with blue labeling, filling the space next to the sink and partially obscuring a toilet

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This connection demonstrates the potential relevance of Butler’s actions in the broader investigation into the mishandling of classified information.

Longtime Employee Speaks Out

Having worked at Mar-a-Lago for two decades, Butler’s decision to speak publicly marks a significant turn in his long association with Trump’s estate.

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The exterior of the Mar-a-Lago club, featuring a pale pink facade, Spanish-style architecture with a tiled roof, ornate detailing, and a distinctive tower

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His insights contribute to the ongoing narrative surrounding the investigation into Trump’s practices regarding sensitive documents.

Unaware of the Boxes' Contents

Butler claimed he did not know that the boxes might contain classified materials.

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A collection of papers spread across a table, some marked with 'TOP SECRET//SCI' and 'SECRET//SCI' banners in bold red and yellow colors. The documents are partially obscured with white coverings for privacy

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He described the process of moving the boxes without knowledge of their significance, emphasizing his lack of awareness about the potential contents: “I had no clue. I mean, we were just taking them out of the Escalade, piling them up,” Butler said.

Departure from Mar-a-Lago

A few months after the FBI’s search at Mar-a-Lago, Butler left his position at the club. 

Donald Trump and another man in suits are engaged in conversation on a balcony overlooking an ornately decorated outdoor seating area. The balcony is lit with warm lights and flanked by palm trees

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His departure came in the wake of the unfolding investigation and media attention, marking an end to his long tenure at the resort.

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Motivation for Going Public

Butler described the past year as a “roller coaster” and expressed his desire to move forward by sharing his story.

Donald Trump, wearing a dark suit and red tie, is seen waving with his right hand while standing at the top of the airplane stairs. Behind him is the door of the plane, featuring the Presidential Seal

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He chose to speak out to gain closure and to control the narrative of his involvement, rather than having it revealed through the media or other channels.

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Potential Testimony in Court

Expressing his willingness to participate in the judicial process, Butler stated he would be prepared to testify during a trial.

Donald Trump, smiling and clapping his hands, stands in front of a deep blue curtain with an American flag to his right

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His firsthand account could provide valuable insights into the events leading up to and following the FBI’s search at Mar-a-Lago.

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Secretive Actions at Mar-a-Lago

The indictment reveals a subplot involving Mar-a-Lago’s maintenance supervisor and discussions about keeping certain actions under wraps.

Several wooden pallets loaded with cardboard boxes, all securely wrapped in green plastic stretch wrap, are lined up in a corridor with cream-colored walls and carpeted flooring

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This narrative points to a broader scheme of secrecy and potentially illicit activities within Trump’s circle, as detailed in the federal charges.

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Allegations of Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice

The indictment also touches on attempts to manipulate evidence, including the potential deletion of security footage.

President Donald Trump gestures while speaking at a lectern with the Presidential Seal, against a backdrop of a clear glass barrier and white architectural features

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Such actions, if proven, could have significant implications for understanding the extent of the efforts to obstruct the investigation into the classified documents.

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Responses to the Allegations

Both legal teams and the involved parties have been cautious in their responses to the unfolding events.

Former President Donald Trump, in a blue suit and red tie, leads the way with Vice President Mike Pence following. They are walking alongside white columns

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The indictment has set the stage for a legal battle where each piece of evidence and every witness statement, including Butler’s, will be scrutinized in the pursuit of truth.

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Upcoming Legal Proceedings

With the trial date approaching, all eyes are on the court as it prepares to delve into the allegations against Trump and his associates.

Trump is captured mid-speech, gesturing with his hands wide open in front of a lectern bearing the Presidential Seal. He is framed against a backdrop of American flag and an audience of supporters, some wearing red 'Make America Great Again' attire

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The legal process is expected to reveal more about the case’s complexities, as both the prosecution and defense present their arguments regarding the handling of classified documents and attempts to obstruct justice.

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