Trump’s PAC Reportedly Footing Legal Bills Of Mar-A-Lago Witnesses: ‘Should Look Very Suspicious’ To DoJ
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Former PresidentDonald TrumpsSave America PAC is reportedly fronting the costs for key witnesses in theMar-a-Lago investigationbeing carried out by the U.S.Department of Justice.
What Happened:The PAC, whose costs are being covered, includeKash PatelandWalt Nauta. Patel testified in front of the grand jury and is crucial to Trumps defense, while Nauta a Trump valet who was asked by the former president to move boxes at Mar-a-Lago is a key prosecution witness,reportedThe Washington Post, citing people familiar with the matter.
Patel and Nauta are represented byBrand Woodward Law, the firm has reportedly been paid more than $120,000 by the PAC.
Theres no bar against third parties paying for legal fees as long as its disclosed to the client, saidStan Brand, a lawyer at the law firm.
Other witnesses whose costs are reportedly being covered by Save America PAC include Trump adviserDan Scavinoand one other person aide that testified in front of the grand jury.
Why It Matters:There are concerns that the payment arrangement could influence witnesses and their actions.
It looks like the Trump political action committee is either paying for the silence of these witnesses, for them to take the Fifth or for favorable testimony, saidJim Walden, a former federal prosecutor, according to the Post.
These circumstances should look very suspicious to the Justice Department, and theres a judicial mechanism for them to get court oversight if theres a conflict.
Trumps PAC has spent $9.7 million on legal bills since 2021, which accounts for 14% of its spending in that period. The Committee is under federal investigation for its fundraising methods, according to the Post.
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