A Florida federal courtroom became the scene of intense drama on Wednesday as a “shouting match” broke out during a hearing in former President Donald Trump’s ongoing classified documents case. The uproar followed a contested claim by defense attorney Stanley Woodward, who alleged that a prosecutor had threatened him over a potential judicial nomination, according to a report by the Independent.
The heated exchange centered on a discussion between Woodward, who represents Trump’s co-defendant and bodyman, Walt Nauta, and prosecutor Jay Bratt. Woodward has accused Bratt of using the prospect of Woodward’s nomination to the D.C. Superior Court as leverage, allegedly telling him, “I wouldn’t want you to do anything to mess that up.” This accusation suggests a violation of Justice Department policy, positioning the incident as not only a personal threat but a professional breach.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, overseeing the case, has strongly refuted Woodward’s claims. Court filings unsealed last month contain Smith’s rebuttal, dismissing the allegations as “an implausible, if not ludicrous tale.” Smith defended Bratt’s integrity, emphasizing his more than 30 years of distinguished service at the Department, and criticized the timing of Woodward’s complaint, which came about nine months after the alleged incident.
The courtroom confrontation arose during a hearing intended for Nauta’s legal team to argue that the charges against him were the result of vindictive and selective prosecution. However, the proceedings were overshadowed by the explosive debate over the alleged judicial nomination threat.
Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, presided over the hearing without immediately issuing a ruling regarding the contested defense claims, CNN reports.
This legal battle is just one of four criminal cases facing the former president, adding to the complexity of his legal challenges. Trump is simultaneously undergoing a trial in New York City related to accusations of falsifying business records to obscure hush money payments made before the 2016 presidential election. He has pleaded not guilty in all cases.
The courtroom dispute highlights the ongoing tension and high stakes in Trump’s legal entanglements, as each side accuses the other of misconduct and manipulation, reflecting the deeply polarized atmosphere surrounding these high-profile cases.