Donald Trump latest news: Former president indicted over efforts to overturn 2020 US election
Donald Trump is facing indictments from a grand jury in Washington DC.
According to a federal indictment released on Tuesday, Donald Trump launched an extraordinary attack on American democracy and has been charged with deceiving the United States.
The grand jury in Washington DC filed four charges against Mr. Trump, which included accusations of conspiring to impede an official process.
Special Prosecutor Jack Smith stated that the assault on the US Capitol was "driven by falsehoods, falsehoods by the accused aimed at undermining a fundamental role of the United States government."
The accusation claims that Mr. Trump collaborated with six additional unidentified individuals.
Donald Trump, aged 77, has received a notice to attend a federal court hearing scheduled for Thursday.
According to a declaration issued by the Trump campaign, he has consistently abided by the legal system and characterized the indictment as a political "oppression" reminiscent of the era in which Nazi Germany operated.
This marks the third instance where Mr. Trump has been charged with criminal offenses, even though he continues to be the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Stay updated with the most recent advancements down below.
August 2, 2023 • 2:24 in the morning
Biden Avoids Trump Indictment Comment, Enjoys Fish Supper
While Donald Trump faced his third indictment on Tuesday, President Biden made his way to Matt's Fish Camp, a seafood restaurant known for its delicious chowder and fried fish, located near his beach house in Delaware, to enjoy an early dinner.
The White House ensured that the group of journalists accompanying Mr. Biden during his travels were kept at a distance, effectively preventing him from being subjected to inquiries and enabling him to remain tight-lipped regarding the escalating legal issues faced by his main political rival.
Following their evening meal, Mr. Biden, who is currently enjoying a week-long holiday, proceeded to attend a showing of the film Oppenheimer.
The Biden campaign and the White House chose not to provide any comments on Tuesday. "We suggest you reach out to the Justice Department as they carry out their own criminal investigations," explained Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House.
"Get Trump's Free T-Shirt Against Donations!"
Donald Trump wasted no time before starting a campaign fundraiser spree following his recent indictment.
The ex-president provided "complimentary" T-shirts to all followers who contributed $47 or above to his electoral campaign.
A message sent to backers claimed that Mr. Trump was charged by unidentified individuals within the government who operate secretly, in a politically motivated attempt to persecute him.
It encouraged individuals to demonstrate their support for the president by wearing a unique and exclusive 'I support Trump' T-shirt, emphasizing their loyalty despite the unjust accusations.
It says: "Therefore, kindly donate $47 to assist in protecting our movement against the constant and unjust investigations - and as a token of our gratitude, we will gift you a special edition shirt at no cost."
Rivals Slam Trump's Indictment
Former Texas congressman Will Hurd and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who are known for their strong disapproval of Donald Trump and are currently vying for the Republican nomination, have recently released statements expressing their belief that Mr. Trump is unfit to assume the role of the United States president.
According to a post on X, Mr. Hurd expressed his belief that Mr. Trump's rejection of the 2020 election outcomes and his involvement in the events of January 6th indicate his unsuitability for the position of office.
I want to make it absolutely clear: Trump's campaign for the presidency is motivated by a desire to avoid being imprisoned and deceive his followers into covering his legal expenses. Additionally, his refusal to accept the outcome of the 2020 election and his actions on January 6 demonstrate that he is not qualified for his position.
According to Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Trump bears the moral responsibility for the assault on our democratic system and should terminate his presidential candidacy in the best interest of the nation.
Nevertheless, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a self-proclaimed supporter of the ex-president and a prospective holder of the presidential power, came forward to offer unwavering support and even made a commitment to grant Mr. Trump a pardon if he were to triumph in securing the presidency once again.
Ramaswamy expressed that Mr. Trump should not be solely held accountable for the events that unfolded on January 6th. Rather, he attributed the riot to the widespread and ingrained suppression of citizens' voices through censorship.
Trump Said Pence Is "too Honest," Filing Claims
The allegations brought against Donald Trump closely align with the narrative of the uprising described in the 18-month investigation conducted by the US House regarding the Capitol incident in 2021.
However, it also presents fresh evidence that was not comprehensively disclosed in the committee's ultimate report.
The document includes numerous discussions between President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, in which Trump made efforts to convince Pence to postpone the certification of the 2020 election results or refuse to acknowledge the chosen presidential electors.
During a conversation that took place on January 1, 2021, Mr. Trump allegedly expressed to Mr. Pence that he believed he possessed an excessive amount of integrity, as stated in the indictment.
Mr Pence, who escaped the crowd of protestors at the Capitol, refused to give evidence before the House committee. However, he provided his testimony to the federal grand jury that is investigating Mr Trump.
The additional information provides insight into the way Mr. Trump exerted influence on the vice-president, and Mr. Pence replied, "I believe I lack the power to alter the result."
Attorney General Cites Facts Pursued
The Attorney General, Merrick Garland, affirmed that the Justice Department's inquiry into Donald Trump's endeavors to subvert the 2020 presidential election diligently pursued truth and legality without any constraints.
Mr Garland gave a few words in Philadelphia on Tuesday right after Mr Trump was charged.
Last year, Mr Garland assigned special counsel Jack Smith to assume control of the inquiry concerning the disruption at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, and Mr Trump's endeavors to invalidate the election outcome.
The top legal officer stated that the inquiry, which resulted in Mr. Trump being accused of four counts of collaborating and impeding justice, was the most extensive ever conducted by the department.
FRESH UPDATE: The Attorney General, Merrick Garland, shares his comments following the indictment of former President Trump by the special counsel. He lauds the efforts of Mr. Smith and his proficient group of reliable agents and prosecutors, who diligently pursued the truth within the boundaries of the law. Link: [insert shortened hyperlink] [attach an image of Merrick Garland delivering his remarks]
Prosecutors Allege Trump Used Bogus Electors
In the legal accusation submitted this Tuesday, the prosecutors alleged that Mr. Trump and his unidentified partners intentionally made dishonest allegations of electoral misconduct with the purpose of persuading officials in seven crucial states - Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin - to produce deceitful groups of electors.
Electors are individuals chosen by state political parties to validate the victor determined by the public vote in their respective state.
According to prosecutors, Mr Trump's efforts to mislead state officials were consistently unsuccessful. As a result, he started gathering individuals in early December 2020 who would have potentially acted as his electors in those states. He then proceeded to distribute fraudulent certifications, falsely claiming that these individuals were valid presidential electors.
Obama Appointed Judge Overseeing Case
Mr. Trump's case has been assigned to US District Judge Tanya S Chutkan, who was selected in a non-premeditated manner. Judge Chutkan, a previous public defender in D.C., was designated by Barack Obama to serve in this role.
Judge Chutkan earned her degree from George Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
She consistently maintained the most rigid stance towards the defendants involved in the January 6 incident compared to any other judge currently presiding over the federal trial court in Washington.
Special Counsel Smith's Hope: 'Speedy Trial'
In an interview with journalists, Mr Smith characterized the Jan 6 Capitol attack as a "never-before-seen attack on the core of American democracy" that was "motivated by deceitful information".
He stated that the prosecutors will "pursue a prompt trial... to ensure our evidence is examined in court and evaluated".
UPDATE: Special Investigator Jack Smith from the Department of Justice in the United States delivers a declaration in Washington following the issuance of another criminal charge against former president Donald Trump.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
???? Watch our channel on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 233, and also on YouTube by visiting pic.twitter.com/4d3iyzQgTv.
DeSantis Urges DoJ Reform
Mr Trump's Republican opponent, Ron DeSantis, expressed on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: "If elected as President, I pledge to put an end to the misuse of government power, appoint a new FBI Director, and guarantee equal treatment under the law for every American citizen.
Although I am aware of the existence of reports, I haven't had the opportunity to peruse the indictment. Nevertheless, I strongly advocate for the implementation of measures that grant Americans the privilege to relocate legal matters from Washington, DC to their respective hometowns.
Washington, DC is like a "bog" and it is unjust to be subjected to a trial with a jury that embodies the same mindset as the bog.
The politicization of the rule of law is one of the factors contributing to the downfall of our nation. I am determined to stop the misuse of the federal government's powers, and there can be no more justifications for it.
"Partial Charges: Safeguarding Black Rights With Civil War Legislation"
Federal prosecutors are leveling one accusation, specifically the act of collaborating to violate the constitutional or legal rights of individuals, by relying on a statute introduced in 1870 during the period of post-Civil War Reconstruction. During this time, legislators aimed to assimilate previously enslaved individuals into society after they had gained their freedom.
According to Kristy Parker, a previous federal prosecutor, numerous endeavors by Mr. Trump and his supporters to invalidate the election aimed at metropolitan regions that have a substantial number of African American voters who cast their ballots for Democrat Joe Biden.
Included in the list were Atlanta, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
Who Talked To The Investigators?
Individuals close to Mr. Trump, such as his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his previous White House assistant Hope Hicks, are said to have provided testimony in front of a grand jury regarding the matter.
Rudy Giuliani, the ex-mayor of New York City and legal representative for Mr. Trump, was recently questioned by investigators, as reported by American media outlets.
Investigators have also confiscated the mobile devices of Trump advisors who led his campaign's legal efforts to contest the outcome of the 2020 election.
Trump Faces 3 Conspiracy Charges & 1 Obstruction
Trump is accused of committing three instances of collusion and one instance of obstruction.
The indictment stated that the conspiracy aimed to undermine the rightful outcome of the 2020 presidential election through the use of knowingly deceptive allegations regarding election fraud.
The charges alleged that Mr. Trump and his accomplices orchestrated deceitful groups of electors in seven states, where he faced defeat, with the purpose of submitting their votes for counting and validation as official by Congress on January 6th.
Trump Sees Parallels With Nazi Germany & Soviet Union
After receiving confirmation of the indictment, the Trump Campaign released a statement drawing parallels between the "oppressions" endured by Mr. Trump and the oppressive regimes of "Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the previous Soviet Union, and other dictatorial regimes."
He stated that the "phony" accusations are simply the most recent corrupt installment in the ongoing feeble endeavor by the Biden Criminal Clan to meddle with the 2024 election.
He stated that he has consistently abided by the law and the constitution, and went on to say: "These investigations that go against American values will not succeed, and President Trump will be elected for another term in the White House. This will allow him to rescue our nation from the mistreatment, incompetence, and dishonesty that has infiltrated every aspect of our society like never before."
Trump Accused Of Four Crimes
A 45-page accusation presented by special counsel Jack Smith outlines the allegations, which involve plotting to deceive the United States.
Trump Called To Court On August 3rd
The ex-president has been called to attend a federal court hearing in Washington DC on August 3rd at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, as stated by the DoJ.
News Break: A Flurry Of Activity
The US capital experienced a hive of commotion when the news was unveiled, as stated by Rozina Sabur.
The anticipation of the arrest has been affecting Washington as President Trump anticipated being indicted and charged by the Department of Justice in connection with their ongoing investigation.
Reporters and broadcast news vehicles have encircled the Elijah Barrett Prettyman federal courthouse in the city for several days, where the grand jury holds its meetings.
There have been at least two grand juries in Washington that have been presented with evidence regarding Mr. Trump's supposed unlawful actions in order to retain his position as president.
A potential court hearing for the case would probably take place in the district court of the city, which is also where numerous individuals involved in the January 6 violence and members of extremist organizations like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers were dealt with legally.
In the event that the trial takes place, Mr. Trump could have a jury consisting of individuals from a strongly Democratic city, where he only secured a minuscule portion of the votes in 2020.
Grand Jury Indicts Trump
The previous head of state has been charged as a result of an inquiry into his efforts to nullify the 2020 election prior to the assault on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
This marks the third instance in which the Republican candidate leading the race has faced charges of criminal activity.
Court Seals The Charges
According to CNN, a judge authorized the concealment of the indictment, implying that no details regarding the quantity or identities of the accused were disclosed.
The judge also granted authorization for the defendant(s) to be called upon and appear in court.
As we anticipate more information regarding the charges, earlier accounts have indicated that three of the allegations will be based on violating individuals' rights, plotting to engage in illegal activities or deceive the United States, and interfering with a witness.
Indictment Issued By Grand Jury
CNN reports that a grand jury, responsible for reviewing evidence in special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into attempts to reverse the results of the 2020 election, has submitted an accusation at the federal courthouse in Washington, DC.
The head of the grand jury, along with a prosecutor from the Justice Department, was in the courtroom when the indictment was handed down.
Trump Condemns Legal Wrongdoing
Donald Trump has announced on his newly launched platform, Truth Social, that he anticipates being formally charged tonight as part of the ongoing federal inquiry concerning the 2020 election.
"Why didn't they take action 2.5 years ago? Why did they delay it for such a long period? It seems like they deliberately timed it to occur during the peak of my campaign. This clearly indicates misconduct on the part of the prosecutors!"
Furthermore, what is their motive behind releasing yet another fabricated accusation immediately after the exposure of the corrupt actions committed by Joe Biden, a scandal that ranks among the most significant in the history of the United States, within the confines of the legislative branch? This is a clear indication of our nation's deterioration.
