Trump Co-Defendant Walt Nauta Retains Attorney Despite Conflict of Interest Concerns

Nauta's lawyer previously represented a potential key witness and another who may be called to testify, leading to concerns over divided loyalties and limitations on attorney's defense strategy.

Walt Nauta, a Trump Co-defendant in the Mar-a-Lago case, will retain his attorney, Stanley Woodward, despite conflict of interest concerns raised by prosecutors. Woodward has previously represented key potential witnesses in the case.
In a Florida court hearing, Nauta accepted the risks of keeping his attorney, who was paid by Trump and has represented several individuals questioned in connection with the investigation.
Judge Aileen Cannon reportedly warned Nauta that by keeping Woodward as his attorney, it might limit his ability to appeal in the future if he is convicted.
One of the potential key witnesses, Yuscil Taveras, a Mar-a-Lago IT worker, flipped to cooperate with the government after being offered the chance to engage an outside attorney. Shortly after, Taveras provided information leading to the additional charges for Trump and Nauta.
With his attorney's potential conflicting interests, Nauta may face restrictions in cross-examining the witnesses his attorney has previously represented, to avoid harming their interests.
Nauta and Trump alongside another co-defendant are facing multiple charges connected to Trump’s mishandling of records, including obstruction of justice. The trial is currently scheduled for May 2024.