Special Counsel Jack Smith has filed a revised indictment against former President Donald Trump in the federal election subversion case, maintaining the four original felony charges while complying with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity. The new 36-page indictment, presented to a fresh grand jury, removes allegations about Trump’s interactions with the Justice Department and focuses on his actions as a political candidate seeking re-election rather than as president.The charges still include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. Key allegations remain, such as Trump’s alleged attempts to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the electoral vote count.The revised indictment emphasizes that Trump used his campaign to ‘repeat and widely disseminate’ false claims of election fraud, aiming to legitimize his assertions and foster an atmosphere of national mistrust and anger. It also clarifies when Trump was acting outside of his official duties.Trump, who has pleaded not guilty, continues to maintain his innocence and describes the investigations as politically motivated. He argues that the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling should lead to the entire case being dismissed.The case has been delayed for months while Trump pressed his claim of immunity, and it remains uncertain whether the trial will occur before the November 2024 election. This indictment is one of four facing the former president, who is the first U.S. president to face and be convicted of criminal charges.
Key points
- Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a revised indictment against Trump, maintaining four original felony charges.
- The new indictment focuses on Trump’s actions as a political candidate, removing allegations about Justice Department interactions.
- Trump maintains his innocence and argues the case should be dismissed based on the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling.
Contradictions👾While most sources agree on the content of the revised indictment, Trump claims it’s an attempt to ‘resurrect a dead Witch Hunt’, contrasting with the Special Counsel’s statement that it reflects efforts to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling.
