Walt Nauta is a former US Navy veteran who served as a personal valet and body man to former President Donald Trump. He is currently facing six criminal charges for allegedly mishandling national security documents at Trump’s direction. But who is Walt Nauta, and what do we know about his personal life? Is he married, and if so, to whom?
Walt Nauta’s Early Life and Career
Waltine Torre Nauta Jr. was born in 1982 or 1983 in Agat, Guam, a US territory in the Pacific Ocean. He grew up with five siblings and graduated from Southern High School in Santa Rita-Sumai. He enlisted in the US Navy in July 2001 and became a culinary specialist, or a cook2. He served in various locations, including California and Georgia, before being assigned to the Presidential Food Service in Washington, DC, in 20123. This unit, run by the US Navy, manages the White House Mess as part of the White House Military Office.
Walt Nauta’s Role as Trump’s Valet and Aide
During Trump’s presidency, Nauta became one of his personal valets, responsible for responding to his call button and bringing him Diet Cokes on a silver platter. He was also a military aide who accompanied Trump on trips and events. He was promoted to senior chief petty officer in September 2020.
When Trump left the White House in January 2021, Nauta followed him to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he worked as his butler and body man. He was also paid by Trump’s political action committee, Save America, and his 2024 presidential campaign.
Walt Nauta’s Indictment and Charges
In June 2023, Nauta was indicted by a federal grand jury along with Trump for violating the Espionage Act and related offenses. The charges stem from allegations that Nauta, acting at Trump’s direction, moved boxes that contained illegally retained classified documents and national defense-related documents to Trump’s residence, and then lied about it to federal investigators. He was charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, corruptly concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal, and making false statements and representations. The charges are punishable by up to 90 years in prison if he is convicted. On July 27, two new counts of obstruction were brought against Nauta.
Nauta did not enter a plea during his first hearing in Miami on June 13. He was released without having to post bond and was ordered not to talk to other witnesses. He will be arraigned at a later date.
Trump has defended Nauta on his Truth Social platform, accusing the Department of Justice of trying to destroy his life and hoping that he will say bad things about him.
Is Walt Nauta Married?
According to public records, Nauta is married to Jennifer Lynn Nauta (née Smith), who is also from Guam. They have two children together: a son named Waltine Torre Nauta III and a daughter named Jazmine Lynn Nauta. They live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Jennifer Nauta has not commented publicly on her husband’s indictment or his relationship with Trump. She works as a nurse at Jupiter Medical Center.
Walt Nauta’s marriage status has not been mentioned in any of the official documents or statements related to his case. It is unclear how his legal troubles will affect his family life or his loyalty to Trump.