According to Brian Butler, Trump’s former longtime valet, he believes that former President Donald Trump should not run for president again in 2024.
During an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Monday, Butler, a witness in the federal criminal documents case of the former president, expressed his belief that the country has the potential to surpass Trump. As “Trump Employee 5” in the indictment, Butler stressed that there is room for improvement.
During an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, the former valet, who had served at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club for over 20 years, contradicted the ex-president’s assertions of being unjustly pursued by law enforcement. The valet, expressing his perspective, stated that the investigations conducted by Special Counsel Jack Smith were not akin to a witch hunt.
The Context
Former President Trump is facing a Florida indictment that includes 40 felony charges. The charges allege that he kept classified documents after his presidency and made efforts to conceal them from authorities when asked to return them. Trump has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Butler, who started his job at Mar-a-Lago at the age of 19, recently disclosed his true identity as “Trump Employee 5” in his interview with Collins. He mentioned that he has not been in contact with his close friend, Carlos De Oliveira, who also works as a maintenance worker at Mar-a-Lago, ever since he started cooperating with the authorities.
De Oliveira and Trump valet Walt Nauta faced a series of serious charges last year, including multiple felonies. They were indicted for their alleged involvement in moving documents and their attempted obstruction of a federal investigation. The charges were brought against them alongside the ex-president, underscoring the gravity of their alleged actions.
What We Know
During a conversation with Collins on Monday, Butler expressed their skepticism about the individual’s suitability as a presidential candidate at the present moment. They firmly believe that it is time to progress and explore alternative options, as they are confident that better candidates can be found.
“He continued by stating that the American people deserve to know the facts and emphasized that this is not a witch hunt. He firmly believes that the claims made against him are completely unfounded, but acknowledges that unfortunately, some people still believe them.”
According to Butler, Trump has managed to create a significant divide within the nation, unlike anything he has witnessed before. He also pointed out that Trump has consistently refused to take responsibility for any of his actions.
Views
On Monday night, Trump’s office received an email from Newsweek seeking comment.
Trump, the Republican nominee for president, has consistently asserted that his legal troubles are nothing more than political persecution and interference with the election. He believes these challenges are strategically designed to impede his progress as he moves closer to a potential rematch against President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election.
Shortly after the interview with Collins aired, social media was filled with opinions about Butler’s revelations. Although Trump had not publicly commented on Butler’s statements at the time of writing, people were quick to share their thoughts online.
Some Trump supporters, without providing any evidence, made claims that Butler had received payment or questioned his credibility.
“@BoyMomStacy speculated that there could be a significant amount of money hidden under this individual’s bed,” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Some people praised Butler’s courage for speaking out, expressing concern that he may face threats from the MAGA community and suggesting that he might require additional security.
What’s Next?
Butler might testify against the former president in the documents case during the trial. However, it is still uncertain when the trial will take place. If Trump is reelected, the trial is likely to be canceled.
The start of the trial, initially set for May 20, is likely to be delayed due to the upcoming election season. Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump and is presiding over the case, is expected to make this decision.
