Insights from CNN Interview with Former Trump Employee on Classified Documents Incident

Brian Butler, a former Mar-a-Lago worker known as "Trump Employee Number 5" in the classified documents indictment of Donald Trump, talked to CNN on Monday about his experiences at the ex-president's private club and the aftermath of a federal search there.

Former Mar-a-Lago employee Brian Butler sits down for an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

Former Mar-a-Lago employee Brian Butler sits down for an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

CNN

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Exclusive: ‘Trump Employee 5,’ who unknowingly helped move classified documents, speaks

During his interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Butler shared new information about how he unintentionally assisted in transferring classified documents onto Trump's private plane. He also discussed the pressure he faced when he and others were presented with Trump-aligned lawyers.

Butler explained that he was helping to transport the boxes to the airport while Trump was meeting with federal investigators at his property in June 2022. This incident occurred two months before the FBI conducted a search at Mar-a-Lago and a year before Trump was indicted by special counsel Jack Smith for his alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Butler revealed to CNN that he has not had any communication with his former close friend, Carlos De Oliveira, who is facing charges alongside Trump. He also shared his reasons for believing that Trump, his employer for two decades, should not be re-elected as president.

Here are the key points from Butler's interview with CNN:

Boxes were being taken out while the FBI was arriving.

Butler shared that in June 2022, he assisted Walt Nauta, Trump's body man, and another defendant in the case, in transferring boxes from Mar-a-Lago to the airport as Trump was getting ready to leave for his resort in New Jersey for the summer.

Butler mentioned that federal investigators were visiting Trump to discuss returning classified material in his possession at the same time. He shared that while Trump was meeting with the investigators, boxes were being transported from somewhere to a vehicle, then to a plane that he loaded with Walt. Butler admitted that he had no idea about the contents of the boxes during that time.

Butler recounts an encounter with Trump as he was heading to meet his attorney, Evan Corcoran, and a group of individuals who turned out to be FBI agents. He recalls being outside near the bar when he saw the former president approaching the living room with Secret Service. Trump greeted Butler, saying "Hi, Brian," to which Butler responded with "Hi Mr. Trump" or "President Trump." However, at the time, Butler had no idea who the people accompanying Trump were.

We all got dirty from moving boxes. In July 2023, De Oliveira became a co-defendant in the case involving classified documents. He was accused of attempting to conceal the actions of moving the boxes at Trump's resort.

Prosecutors claim that Nauta and De Oliveira tried to erase security camera footage at the ex-president's resort following a subpoena from the Justice Department.

In a recent interview, Butler shed light on De Oliveira's thoughts during his conversation with investigators prior to being charged. Prosecutors assert that De Oliveira misled the FBI about his knowledge of the document boxes at Mar-a-Lago.

Butler remembered a talk with De Oliveira, who wanted to involve him in moving boxes of classified documents. However, Butler claims he had no idea about the contents of the boxes he assisted with at the airport.

"He once mentioned, 'We're all in this together. We all moved boxes.' I replied, 'I had no clue what I was carrying until we reached the plane. That's when it hit me that I was moving boxes.'"

Butler shared his thoughts on the situation, expressing uncertainty about the intentions of the individual involved. He speculated that perhaps the person believed that having Walt, himself, and the individual together could improve things in some way.

Butler was asked about De Oliveira’s loyalty.

Butler remembered a night in August 2022 when he was celebrating De Oliveira’s 40th birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida. During the celebration, he received a call from Nauta asking about his friend’s loyalty to Trump. Butler assured Nauta that he had no doubt that De Oliveira would remain loyal.

Nauta then asked Butler to verify that he had sent an encrypted text message via Signal to Susie Wiles, a Trump aide currently leading his 2024 campaign.

"I arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel around the same time, and Walt asked me to join a Signal chat group with Susie Wiles. He then requested, 'Brian, could you please type in this chat what you just shared with me?'" Butler recounted.

"I typed it up and said, 'Hey, it's a bit strange to me, but trust me, Carlos is super loyal. He wouldn't do anything to jeopardize his relationship with the boss. He really enjoys his work, you know. So, there's no need to worry about Carlos,'" Butler explained.

Shortly after, within less than 30 minutes, Butler remembered that De Oliveira got a call from Trump, assuring him that he would provide him with a lawyer.

Butler said he thought it was unusual when asked. He mentioned that Carlos is one of his best friends and he didn't want to see him get hurt or lose trust.

Wiles chose not to make a comment.

Butler explained that De Oliveira urged him to hire a lawyer aligned with Trump, rather than an independent one. This pressure was similar to what other former Trump aides, such as Cassidy Hutchinson, experienced.

Butler had already contacted a lawyer he knew before the FBI got in touch with him. He was ready to hire this lawyer instead of one paid for by Trump's political action committee, like De Oliveira.

"I had actually told Carlos not to contact anyone on my behalf," Butler explained. "But I can understand why he thought I might need a lawyer given the situation."

Butler remembered getting a voicemail from a lawyer connected to Trump, but he had already hired his own attorney by then. He believed it was important to look out for himself and handle the situation on his own. The attorney who called him claimed to represent former President Trump, but Butler felt that didn't benefit him in any way. He made it clear that he wouldn't even consider the representation since it was for Trump, not for himself.

Butler said De Oliveira kept bringing up the subject, despite Butler's reluctance to discuss it further.

“He seemed to be under a lot of pressure,” Butler shared. “He mentioned several times why I hadn't returned a call, warning me about potential financial consequences. He even mentioned his own high attorney bills, emphasizing the significant costs involved. I reassured him that I was handling the situation well and didn't need to worry.”

De Oliveira invited Butler, who had recently quit his job at Mar-a-Lago in late 2022, to possibly meet Trump during a golf tournament.

Butler remembered De Oliveira saying, "I can arrange for you to get tickets," or "I'm sure Mr. Trump would be happy to see you."

‘This is not a witch hunt’

While he worked for Trump for two decades, Butler said he would now view him “unfavorably” and did not think he should be running for president again.

"I personally don't think he should run for president right now. It's time to let go," he shared.

Butler decided to talk about his experience at Mar-a-Lago because he believes voters deserve to know the truth before the election. He also called out Trump's denial of any wrongdoing as "completely false."

Butler believes that the American people deserve to know the truth and emphasizes that the investigation is not a witch hunt.

He expresses his refusal to live in fear, highlighting the importance of being cautious but also committed to honesty. Butler stresses that the issue at hand is larger than himself or any individual, emphasizing the significance of the nation's decision on the next president.

Editor's P/S:

Brian Butler's account of his involvement in the classified documents case offers a unique perspective on the events surrounding the former president's mishandling of sensitive information. Butler's willingness to share his experiences and insights highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public service. His testimony underscores the need for individuals to prioritize honesty and integrity, even in the face of potential consequences.

Moreover, Butler's decision to distance himself from Trump's influence and his belief that the investigation is not a witch hunt are significant. They demonstrate that loyalty to country and the rule of law should outweigh personal or political considerations. Butler's actions serve as a reminder that individuals have a responsibility to hold those in power accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or popularity. His courage and willingness to speak out against wrongdoing should be commended and serve as an inspiration to others who may find themselves in similar situations. decision about Trump's fitness to serve again.