Donald Trump co-defendant Walt Nauta's 'garbage argument' irks classified docs case prosecutor

'Always play the victim': Trump co-defendant Walt Nauta ripped as his 'garbage argument' irks classified docs case prosecutor
Walt Nauta, a co-defendant in Donald Trump's classified documents case, irked the prosecutor for making 'nonsense' claims for dismissal of the case (Alon Skuy/Getty Images, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FLORIDA: A federal prosecutor with special counsel Jack Smith's office turned frustrated over the "garbage arguments" presented by one of Donald Trump's co-defendants to dismiss the case against him in the classified document's case.

On Wednesday, May 22, prosecutor David Harbach angrily pushed back when former president's classified documents case co-defendant Walt Nauta alleged vindictive prosecution and prosecutorial misconduct against him, according to NBC News.

"That was difficult to sit through," Harbach said about Nauta's attorney Stanley Woodward's assertion to US District Judge Aileen Cannon. The defense lawyer contended that the indictment of Trump's personal valet was a retaliatory measure for refusing to cooperate with the government.

Prosecutor slams Walt Nauta's attorney's arguments

"It's a garbage argument, to begin with," Harbach said. He also dismissed Woodward's claims that in 2022, he was inappropriately pressured by someone from the special counsel Smith's office about his pending application for judicial appointment in Washington, DC.

The prosecutor argued that "Mr. Woodward's story about what happened" between Woodward and prosecutor Jay Bratt during their August 2020 meeting was a "fantasy." Harbach stated that had not happened, and even if it did, it could not be considered vindictive prosecution.

FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA - MAY 22: Walt Nauta (L), an aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump, walks with his lawyer Stanley Woodward (R) as they leave the Alto Lee Adams Sr United States Courthouse on May 22, 2024 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The two appeared before U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon as they filed motions to have his case thrown out regarding his role in the case, alleging that former President Donald Trump mishandled classified documents. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Walt Nauta and his lawyer Stanley Woodward's argument angered the prosecutor from the special counsel's team (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Responding to Cannon's question, the prosecutor, who was not at the meeting, said Woodward's alleged remarks were fragmentary" and "out of context."

However, Nauta's lawyer stood firm on his account of the meeting and stated the allegations had happened. "What I understood at the time was Mr. Nauta's refusal to cooperate could be used against him," he said.

The court then convened for another hearing in a separate motion by Nauta requesting to drop the charges against himself, Trump, and Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at the Mar-a-Lago estate, citing procedural failures in the indictment. 

Former President Donald Trump listens as his attorney Todd Blanche speaks during a press conference at 40 Wall Street after a pre-trial hearing on March 25, 2024 in New York City. Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trump's criminal trial to begin on April 15, which would make it the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 election. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Donald Trump faces federal indictment for illegally retaining classified documents after leaving the office (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Cannon, a Trump appointee, postponed the trial, which was scheduled to start the trial on May 27, indefinitely.

Trump faces 40 counts for illegally retaining classified materials after leaving the White House in January 2021. FBI found the classified documents kept at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, during an authorized raid in August 2022.

Internet enraged over Donald Trump co-defendant's claims

Netizens voiced their anger in response to Nauta's argument to dismiss the charges in the indictment.

One user said, "They always play the victim."

"Everyone involved with these trials who are in Trumps orbit are doing nothing but throwing BS to the courts. Delay, delay, delay. It’s time to hold these traitors accountable," another remarked.



 



 

A user added, "What kind of upside down world are we living in when the US citizens will not be able to see the criminal case of Trump stealing US documents and clearly obstructing the governments investigation???!!"

One response read, "Gross example of having a joint defense strategy. T's domination of the defense just forced Nauta to take a ridiculous position just for political effect and to the detriment of Nauta's interest in presenting a dignified defense (or even a less dignified one of coercion)."

"Nauta's going for the 'I'm too stupid' defense," another person claimed.



 



 



 

Someone else said, "They just lie and lie and lie. Even in court. Disgusting." Meanwhile, another outraged user asked, "So now, if a criminal is associated with a political figure, it is always retailation? Even if the evidence is right before us!"



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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