Possible Conflict Arises as Attorney of Trump Aide Faces DOJ Inquiry
The Department of Justice has requested a meeting to discuss a possible conflict of interest involving the attorney representing Walt Nauta, an aide to former President Donald Trump. Nauta is an alleged co-conspirator in the Mar-a-Lago case. The Justice Department disclosed that Nauta’s attorney, Stanley Woodward, has represented at least seven other individuals who have been questioned in connection with the investigation, including some people who testified about Nauta. The department has requested a legal proceeding known as a Garcia hearing with Woodward’s clients to inform them of potential risks and inquire about possible waivers. They expressed the need for Nauta to be thoroughly advised of potential conflicts and risks. The department also suggested that the court could appoint independent counsel to assess whether Woodward is representing Nauta fairly. Woodward has not provided a comment on the matter. The Justice Department’s filing states that Woodward does not oppose the court informing his client of his rights or inquiring into potential waivers but requests the opportunity to respond to the motion.
