Former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents, a matter now under criminal investigation, may bring an unexpected group of witnesses to the stand. Sources indicate that low-level employees at Mar-a-Lago, including a maid, plumber, chauffeur, and a woodworker, might provide crucial testimony at Trump's upcoming Florida trial.
The potential involvement of Mar-a-Lago staff, who have had unique access to Trump's private spaces, signals a broadening scope in the investigation into Trump's alleged mishandling of sensitive materials. The witnesses, ranging from close associates to staffers rarely noticed by club guests, could offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the exclusive resort and Trump's post-presidency conduct.
Notably, a woodworker, who installed crown molding in Trump's bedroom, caught sight of scattered papers, raising suspicions about their nature. Similarly, the maid responsible for cleaning Trump's suite and other maintenance workers could corroborate the security levels at the property and the accessibility of the documents to visitors.
Federal prosecutors, under special counsel Jack Smith, are said to be focusing on the lax security within Mar-a-Lago, particularly since it regularly hosted large numbers of guests, including high-profile businesspeople and foreigners. Trump's indictment also notes that the property was not an authorized location for storing or discussing classified documents post-presidency, posing a risk to national security.
The investigation has reportedly caused tension within Trump's circle, with the former president expressing frustration over the scrutiny of his staff. This was especially apparent when Trump learned that the maid who cleaned his bedroom suite had spoken to investigators, causing him to react "ballistically."
Yuscil Taveras, the former IT director at Mar-a-Lago, identified as a key witness, recently resigned from the club, adding to the tension. Trump was reportedly unaware of Taveras' continued employment at the resort following his split from a Trump-provided lawyer and was displeased upon discovering his resignation.
As the trial approaches, set to begin in May, the testimonies of these Mar-a-Lago workers could play a pivotal role in elucidating the environment fostered by Trump at the resort and his approach to handling sensitive information. Their accounts may offer a new perspective on the case, as prosecutors aim to demonstrate Trump's alleged disregard for national security protocols.
