Former Mar-a-Lago Valet Reveals He Helped Move Boxes With Classified Documents To Private Plane

Brian Butler, a former valet at Mar-a-Lago, has come forward to share his role in the transportation of banker’s boxes filled with classified information on behalf of Donald Trump‘s private club.

Identified as “Trump Employee 5” in Trump’s classified documents indictment, Butler shared that he moved the material in June 2022, just before he left his employment with Trump.

In a recent on-camera interview with CNN, Butler confirmed that he coordinated the activity with property manager Carlos De Oliviera and Trump aide Waltine “Walt” Nauta, as stated in the indictment filed by prosecutors in July of the same year. Butler had already spoken with federal investigators prior to the charges being filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith‘s team.

Butler recalled the message he received from Nauta on June 3, 2022, which requested the use of the Cadillac Escalade, part of the car service fleet Butler operated to transport guests to the club. Subsequently, Butler assisted in the transportation of boxes from Mar-a-Lago on a day when Trump and a lawyer met with officials from the Department of Justice in regard to government materials.

Butler explained the sequence of events: “I left Mar-a-Lago. I texted him, ‘Hey, I’m on my way.’ He followed me. He pulled out and got behind me. We got to the airport. I ended up loading all the luggage I had – and he had a bunch of boxes.”

Butler, who was employed by Trump for two decades, expressed disillusionment with the environment he was once part of, particularly after his interactions with federal investigators. He may be called to testify at trial, which could potentially commence this summer unless Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon decides to postpone proceedings due to legal disputes related to classified information.

“I felt like it was a total no-win situation for me. I mean, they’re asking me questions about one of my best friends. I’m being honest. But I also have a bad feeling that what I’m saying is getting him into trouble,” Butler said, about Nauta, a longtime friend.

Butler further criticized Trump’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions.

“Nobody should have to go through that,” he added. “And for [Trump] to get up there all the time and say the things he says about this being a witch hunt and everything… He just can’t take responsibility for anything.”

Employee 5 is mentioned in the final paragraph of the superseding indictment, which aims to establish efforts to influence a critical witness in the case. The indictment reveals that on August 26, 2022, Nauta called Employee 5 to ensure De Oliveira’s well-being. In response, Employee 5 assured Nauta of De Oliveira’s loyalty. Trump subsequently contacted De Oliveira and promised to provide him with an attorney.