The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially decided to cease its efforts to criminally prosecute Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira in connection with the classified documents case involving former President Donald Trump. The DOJ made this decision public on Wednesday by filing a court document to voluntarily dismiss an appeal that sought to revive the criminal case against the two men. This move marks a significant turn in the ongoing investigation related to the concealment of classified government documents.
Walt Nauta, who serves as Trump's valet, and Carlos De Oliveira, a worker at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, were accused of assisting Trump in hiding classified documents. Federal officials were actively seeking the recovery of these sensitive documents as part of their broader investigation. However, the DOJ's decision to drop the appeal aligns with its department policy that prohibits the prosecution of sitting presidents.
The DOJ had previously attempted to revive its prosecution against both Nauta and De Oliveira, following an earlier decision to drop a similar appeal against Trump himself. The department's policy, which bars legal actions against sitting presidents, was the primary reason for discontinuing the appeal against Trump. Now, it has been applied to his aides as well, leading to the cessation of legal proceedings against them.
The decision to voluntarily dismiss the appeal is a strategic move by the DOJ, reflecting its adherence to internal policies despite the complexities surrounding high-profile cases. This action suggests that while the department remains committed to upholding legal standards, it is also cautious about navigating politically sensitive terrains involving former and current office holders.