A former Trump White House employee, identified as “Person 16,” revealed to the FBI that Donald Trump’s valet and co-defendant in a federal classified documents case was allegedly promised a pardon if Trump won a second term as president. The promise was made in 2022, a year before Trump and Walt Nauta were indicted for withholding classified White House documents. Person 16 claimed that Nauta was informed the investigation was politically motivated and that Trump would pardon him even if he was charged with lying to the FBI in 2024.
Person 16, who had free access to Trump and the Oval Office and had visited Mar-a-Lago multiple times since 2021, refused to have his interview with the FBI recorded out of fear of reprisal. Despite being advised that a recorded interview was standard procedure, Person 16 felt it was a bigger risk in the Trump world. The document does not disclose how Person 16 learned of the alleged pardon plan for Nauta or who relayed that information to him.
During Nauta’s interview with the FBI, he lied about the location and movement of boxes of White House documents at Mar-a-Lago. According to the Justice Department, Nauta misled investigators by claiming he was out for a jog instead of speaking with agents involved in the classified documents probe. Both Nauta and Trump have pleaded not guilty in the case. The document does not provide details on how Person 16’s identity was confirmed or the extent of his involvement in the case.
The FBI’s notes from Person 16’s interview shed light on the alleged promise of a pardon to Nauta if he faced charges in connection with the classified documents case. Despite the lack of a recorded interview, Person 16’s statement reveals insider information regarding Trump’s involvement in the situation. The potential impact of this revelation on the legal proceedings involving Nauta and Trump remains to be seen.
The controversy surrounding the alleged pardon promise to Nauta adds a new layer to the case against Trump and his co-defendant. The implications of a potential pardon for Nauta could affect how the case unfolds in the legal system. The involvement of Person 16, a former Trump White House employee with close access to Trump and knowledge of the situation, provides valuable insider insight into the events surrounding the classified documents investigation.
As the investigation into the withheld White House documents continues, the revelation of the alleged pardon promise to Nauta sets a precedent for the legal proceedings moving forward. The potential influence of such promises on the outcome of criminal cases involving high-profile individuals like Trump raises questions about the integrity of the justice system. The ongoing developments in this case highlight the complexities of navigating legal challenges involving political figures and classified information.
