Trump refused to plead guilty to trying to overturn election results
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges that he conspired with several individuals in an effort to “undo” his defeat in the 2020 election. Federal prosecutors characterized the former president’s actions as “an unprecedented effort to undermine the foundations of democracy.”
Special prosecutor Jack Smith, who is overseeing the investigation, watched from the front row as Trump addressed Judge Moksila Upadhyaya.
The arraignment, which lasted about half an hour, took place just a kilometer from the Capitol building. Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, to try to prevent Congress from confirming Joe Biden’s victory.
The guilty plea – the third for Trump in four months – kicked off months of pre-trial legal wrangling that will unfold against the backdrop of the 2024 presidential campaign, in which Trump himself is the favorite for the Republican nomination. The former Republican president could end up back in a battle for the nation’s highest office with incumbent Democratic President Biden.
The 45-page indictment, which was filed Tuesday by Smith, accuses Trump and his alleged associates of promoting false claims that the election was rigged, pressuring state and federal officials to alter the results and manipulating the nomination of electors from several states to thwart Biden’s victory.
Trump, 77, faces four charges, including conspiring to defraud U.S. authorities, depriving citizens of the right to have their votes counted and obstructing official proceedings. The most serious charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
The next court hearing involving Trump will take place on August 28, with District Judge Tanya Chutkan presiding. However, according to Judge Upadhyaya, Trump will not be required to attend. Chutkan will hold a hearing to set a trial date.
Trump has characterized the indictment, as well as other criminal cases against him, as a “witch hunt” aimed at derailing his campaign. In a series of posts he has published on social media since Tuesday, Trump has accused the Biden administration of targeting him for political persecution.
Trump previously pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he kept classified documents after leaving office and to New York state charges that he falsified documents in connection with hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.
Trump could soon face new charges in Georgia, where the state’s attorney is investigating his attempt to overturn the state’s 2020 election. Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis has said she will file indictments by mid-August.
Trump responded with a sarcastic post on Truth Social on Thursday, saying he only needs “one more indictment” to guarantee victory in the next election.
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