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President Donald Trump has been indicted by a federal grand jury investigating his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race, previously said he was a target in special counsel Jack Smith’s probe of the actions leading up to the Jan. 6 attack. This is the third indictment the former president has faced this year.
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We’ll Be Back Tomorrow For Trump’s Arraignment
We’re wrapping up today’s coverage of the third and most significant indictment against Trump — but we’ll be back soon!
Check back with HuffPost tomorrow as our reporters cover Trump’s arraignment — and key moments leading up to it — at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C.
The former president is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon, but we’ll be sending live updates all day.
See you then!
Check back with HuffPost tomorrow as our reporters cover Trump’s arraignment — and key moments leading up to it — at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C.
The former president is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon, but we’ll be sending live updates all day.
See you then!
Pence Says Trump Lied About Delay Request Claim
Former Vice President Mike Pence denied Donald Trump’s claim that he'd only wanted him to request a pause of the Electoral College vote-counting and delay the 2020 presidential election certification.
In an interview with Fox News, Pence said the former president's claim was “completely false.”
“Let’s let’s be clear on this point: It wasn’t just to ask for a pause,” Pence said on Fox News before once again calling Trump’s attorneys “crackpot lawyers.”
“The president specifically asked me ― and his gaggle of crackpot lawyers asked me ― to literally reject votes, which would have resulted in the issue being turned over to the House of Representatives and literally chaos would have ensued,” Pence told Fox News.
Read more on Pence’s remarks in this report by HuffPost’s Arthur Delaney.
In an interview with Fox News, Pence said the former president's claim was “completely false.”
“Let’s let’s be clear on this point: It wasn’t just to ask for a pause,” Pence said on Fox News before once again calling Trump’s attorneys “crackpot lawyers.”
“The president specifically asked me ― and his gaggle of crackpot lawyers asked me ― to literally reject votes, which would have resulted in the issue being turned over to the House of Representatives and literally chaos would have ensued,” Pence told Fox News.
Read more on Pence’s remarks in this report by HuffPost’s Arthur Delaney.
Trump Snaps Back At Former Running Mate
Trump addressed former Vice President Mike Pence directly in a Truth Social post Wednesday afternoon, a day after Pence issued a relatively harsh statement saying the latest Trump indictment serves as a reminder that "anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States." Pence also spoke critically of his former running mate during a Wednesday campaign stop.
"I feel badly for Mike Pence, who is attracting no crowds, enthusiasm, or loyalty from people who, as a member of the Trump Administration, should be loving him," Trump wrote on his social media platform. He went on to claim that the vice president's office came with "power that Mike didn't understand," referring to the vice president's role in the formal election certification process. The position is ceremonial, although Trump tried to convince Pence that he could overturn the election results.
"I feel badly for Mike Pence, who is attracting no crowds, enthusiasm, or loyalty from people who, as a member of the Trump Administration, should be loving him," Trump wrote on his social media platform. He went on to claim that the vice president's office came with "power that Mike didn't understand," referring to the vice president's role in the formal election certification process. The position is ceremonial, although Trump tried to convince Pence that he could overturn the election results.
Co-Conspirator 6 in Trump Indictment Appears To Be Boris Epshteyn, New York Times Reports
Boris Epshteyn, a strategic adviser to Trump’s 2020 campaign, appears to be the individual referenced in the indictment as co-conspirator 6, The New York Times reports.
The indictment refers to co-conspirator 6 as “a political consultant who helped implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding.” According to the Times, Epshteyn sent an email to Rudy Guiliani — described as co-conspirator 1 in the indictment — in December 2020 that suggested attorneys in seven states who could help in choosing fake electors to certify the election in Trump’s favor.
The indictment refers to co-conspirator 6 as “a political consultant who helped implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding.” According to the Times, Epshteyn sent an email to Rudy Guiliani — described as co-conspirator 1 in the indictment — in December 2020 that suggested attorneys in seven states who could help in choosing fake electors to certify the election in Trump’s favor.
Former Vice President Mike Pence Criticizes Trump During Campaign Event
Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke more in depth about former President Donald Trump’s latest indictment during a campaign event at the Indiana State Fair on Wednesday, ABC News reported.
"I really do believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States. And anyone who asks someone else to put themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States again," he said of Trump, his former boss and current opponent in the GOP presidential primary.
"Sadly, the president was surrounded by a group of crackpot lawyers," Pence added. "Our Constitution is more important than any one man."
"I really do believe that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States. And anyone who asks someone else to put themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States again," he said of Trump, his former boss and current opponent in the GOP presidential primary.
"Sadly, the president was surrounded by a group of crackpot lawyers," Pence added. "Our Constitution is more important than any one man."
Local And Federal Law Enforcement On Alert For Arraignment
Addressing security concerns ahead of Trump's Thursday afternoon arraignment, Washington, D.C., law enforcement issued a statement, per local CBS affiliate WUSA.
"The Metropolitan Police Department is working closely with our federal law enforcement partners to monitor the situation and plan accordingly to ensure the safety of DC residents and visitors," a spokesperson for the police department said. "MPD encourages the public to remain vigilant, if you see something, say something. Please report immediate suspicious activity by calling 911."
"The Metropolitan Police Department is working closely with our federal law enforcement partners to monitor the situation and plan accordingly to ensure the safety of DC residents and visitors," a spokesperson for the police department said. "MPD encourages the public to remain vigilant, if you see something, say something. Please report immediate suspicious activity by calling 911."
Trump Dined With Fox News Execs After Indictment: Report
Right after learning he was being charged with additional federal crimes, Trump dined privately with Fox News executives at his New Jersey golf club Tuesday evening, The New York Times reported.
Fox News President Jay Wallace and the network’s chief executive, Suzanne Scott, were reportedly trying to convince Trump — who is far and away the leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate — to participate in the first Republican presidential primary debate, slated for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. Their meeting was described as "cordial," according to the Times.
Fox is airing the debate, which Trump has said he may skip in favor of his own event.
Fox News President Jay Wallace and the network’s chief executive, Suzanne Scott, were reportedly trying to convince Trump — who is far and away the leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate — to participate in the first Republican presidential primary debate, slated for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. Their meeting was described as "cordial," according to the Times.
Fox is airing the debate, which Trump has said he may skip in favor of his own event.
Trump Expected To Appear In Person At Thursday Arraignment: Reports
Trump is expected to arrive in person Thursday at federal court in Washington for his arraignment on charges that he conspired to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election, according to NBC News and The Washington Post.
He has been summoned to appear at 4 p.m. EST.
He has been summoned to appear at 4 p.m. EST.
All The Republicans Who Told Trump He Was Wrong
The latest indictment makes clear that a number of people in Trump’s orbit told him the claims he was making about the 2020 presidential election were not based in reality. Many of their names are also familiar to those who watched last summer’s congressional hearings on the subject.
HuffPost’s Jennifer Bendery has the list here:
HuffPost’s Jennifer Bendery has the list here:
Jan. 6 Insurrection's Fiscal Consequences For America
Ratings agency Fitch said the deterioration of governance as evidenced by the Jan. 6 riot was one of the factors it took into account when it downgraded America's credit rating yesterday, Reuters reported.
Fitch highlighted severe political polarization in meetings with the Treasury Department ahead of the surprise downgrade to AA+ from AAA.
Fitch is the second agency to strip the U.S. of its triple-A rating, after Standard & Poor’s.
Read more here.
Fitch highlighted severe political polarization in meetings with the Treasury Department ahead of the surprise downgrade to AA+ from AAA.
Fitch is the second agency to strip the U.S. of its triple-A rating, after Standard & Poor’s.
Read more here.
DOJ's Trump Indictment Relies On Jan. 6 House Panel's Work: New York Times
The New York Times reported that the Justice Department's indictment of Trump relies heavily on the findings of the House panel tasked with investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Soumya Dayananda, a senior investigator for the select committee, which shut down in early 2021 after Republicans officially took back the House, told the Times their work provided a "path" for special counsel Jack Smith to prosecute Trump.
“The committee served as educating the country about what the former president did, and this is finally accountability," Dayananda said. "The congressional committee wasn’t going to be able to bring accountability; that was in the hands of the Department of Justice.”
Soumya Dayananda, a senior investigator for the select committee, which shut down in early 2021 after Republicans officially took back the House, told the Times their work provided a "path" for special counsel Jack Smith to prosecute Trump.
“The committee served as educating the country about what the former president did, and this is finally accountability," Dayananda said. "The congressional committee wasn’t going to be able to bring accountability; that was in the hands of the Department of Justice.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski Calls On Americans To Read Trump Jan. 6 Indictment
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment for inciting Jan. 6, on Tuesday urged Americans to read the 45-page indictment.
Murkowski wrote that additional evidence uncovered since her vote, including the work of the House select committee investigating the insurrection, "has only reinforced that the former President played a key role in instigating the riots, resulting in physical violence and desecration of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021."
Murkowski noted, however, that Trump "is innocent until proven guilty and will have his day in court."
"As that process begins, I encourage everyone to read the indictment, to understand the very serious allegations being made in this case," she concluded.
Murkowski wrote that additional evidence uncovered since her vote, including the work of the House select committee investigating the insurrection, "has only reinforced that the former President played a key role in instigating the riots, resulting in physical violence and desecration of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021."
Murkowski noted, however, that Trump "is innocent until proven guilty and will have his day in court."
"As that process begins, I encourage everyone to read the indictment, to understand the very serious allegations being made in this case," she concluded.
George Conway Predicts Trump 'Won't Make It Through The Next Year'
George Conway, a conservative lawyer and prominent critic of Donald Trump, predicted the former president will face a tough time next year as his criminal indictments pile up.
In addition to Tuesday's indictment in special counsel Jack Smith's probe into the 2020 election, Trump faces the prospect of charges in Georgia stemming from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' investigation of his attempts to overturn his defeat in that state.
While the two cases don't appear to be coordinated, Conway said what the two prosecutors are trying to prove is "parallel."
"At the end of the day, what matters is you get two bites of the apple," Conway told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Conway added Trump has played "Russian roulette with the law."
"I don't think he's going to make it through the next year," Conway added.
In addition to Tuesday's indictment in special counsel Jack Smith's probe into the 2020 election, Trump faces the prospect of charges in Georgia stemming from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' investigation of his attempts to overturn his defeat in that state.
While the two cases don't appear to be coordinated, Conway said what the two prosecutors are trying to prove is "parallel."
"At the end of the day, what matters is you get two bites of the apple," Conway told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Conway added Trump has played "Russian roulette with the law."
"I don't think he's going to make it through the next year," Conway added.
Trump Lawyer Weighs In On Trial Timing
John Lauro, a lawyer representing Donald Trump, weighed in on special counsel Jack Smith’s intention to hold a “speedy trial.”
Asked if Trump's team would be prepared to quickly deal with the case in court, Lauro told NBC’s “Today” that “a speedy trial is the defendant’s right, not the government’s right. So we’re entitled to understand what the charges are. We’re entitled to do our own investigation.”
Lauro continued: “The Justice Department has had three years to investigate this. To take President Trump to trial in 90 days, of course, is absurd. The question is why do they want to do that.”
Asked if Trump's team would be prepared to quickly deal with the case in court, Lauro told NBC’s “Today” that “a speedy trial is the defendant’s right, not the government’s right. So we’re entitled to understand what the charges are. We’re entitled to do our own investigation.”
Lauro continued: “The Justice Department has had three years to investigate this. To take President Trump to trial in 90 days, of course, is absurd. The question is why do they want to do that.”
Trump Thanks Supporters, Claims World Has Awoken ‘To The Corruption’
In his first social media post Wednesday following his indictment, Trump thanked his supporters, claiming that he has “never had so much support on anything before” and that the “world” has awoken to his unfair treatment.
The federal indictment “has awoken the world to the corruption, scandal, & failure that has taken place in the United States for the past three years,” he posted on Truth Social. “America is a nation in decline, but we will make it great again, greater than ever before.”
In an earlier statement Tuesday, Trump’s presidential campaign accused President Joe Biden of weaponizing the Department of Justice against him to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.
Trump was indicted Tuesday on four federal charges: 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.
The federal indictment “has awoken the world to the corruption, scandal, & failure that has taken place in the United States for the past three years,” he posted on Truth Social. “America is a nation in decline, but we will make it great again, greater than ever before.”
In an earlier statement Tuesday, Trump’s presidential campaign accused President Joe Biden of weaponizing the Department of Justice against him to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.
Trump was indicted Tuesday on four federal charges: 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.
Maggie Haberman Reveals Trump's Reaction To Jan. 6 Indictment
Veteran New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman gave a glimpse into how Donald Trump reacted to his latest indictment.
"Everything with him is about appearances and he wants to give off the appearance that everything is fine," Haberman told CNN Tuesday evening.
"Everything with him is about appearances and he wants to give off the appearance that everything is fine," Haberman told CNN Tuesday evening.
Why Trump's Jan. 6 Indictment Is The Most Serious
The latest criminal charges special counsel Jack Smith brought against Donald Trump highlight the former president’s relentless lies and disdain for democracy.
While the charges Trump faces in Manhattan and South Florida are more about his megalomania, this case shows how far Trump and his allies were willing to go to turn his big lie about winning an election he clearly lost into a reality.
"No trial in American history has come close to the importance of trying a former president, who is also running to reclaim the White House, for an attempt to steal an election," HuffPost's Kevin Robillard and Paul Blumenthal explain.
While the charges Trump faces in Manhattan and South Florida are more about his megalomania, this case shows how far Trump and his allies were willing to go to turn his big lie about winning an election he clearly lost into a reality.
"No trial in American history has come close to the importance of trying a former president, who is also running to reclaim the White House, for an attempt to steal an election," HuffPost's Kevin Robillard and Paul Blumenthal explain.
Could A President Work From Prison?
CNN asked a legal analyst whether Trump could serve as president in 2024 if he were convicted of crimes. The short answer? Yes.
If the trial were still going on, he could possibly grant himself a pardon if he were elected president, said University of California, Los Angeles law professor Richard L. Hasen.
And could he serve as president from a prison cell?
“How someone would serve as president from prison is a happily untested question,” Hasen said.
Read more here.
If the trial were still going on, he could possibly grant himself a pardon if he were elected president, said University of California, Los Angeles law professor Richard L. Hasen.
And could he serve as president from a prison cell?
“How someone would serve as president from prison is a happily untested question,” Hasen said.
Read more here.
Professor Points Out The Yikes
Harvard constitutional law professor Laurence Tribe said there's one thing that could render the "brilliant" indictment moot: Attorney General Merrick Garland's timing.
“If the next presidency is held either by Donald Trump or by one of his acolytes or by virtually any Republican, there is the horrible prospect that this will all be wiped away,” Tribe said on MSNBC on Tuesday evening.
Read more here.
“If the next presidency is held either by Donald Trump or by one of his acolytes or by virtually any Republican, there is the horrible prospect that this will all be wiped away,” Tribe said on MSNBC on Tuesday evening.
Read more here.
Raskin Breaks Things Down
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a member of the House Jan. 6th committee and lead manager of Trump's second impeachment trial, debunked an argument by a Trump attorney that this indictment is “an attack on free speech and political advocacy."
"You can say whatever you want,” Raskin said. “But the minute you actually try to obstruct the meeting of Congress, you crossed over from speech to conduct.”
Read more here.
"You can say whatever you want,” Raskin said. “But the minute you actually try to obstruct the meeting of Congress, you crossed over from speech to conduct.”
Read more here.
Key Moment
7 Key Takeaways From Trump's Jan. 6 Indictment
HuffPost's Nick Visser has gathered the seven main things to know about Trump's latest historic indictment over his efforts to undo Joe Biden's win in the 2020 presidential election.
Christie: ‘This Disgrace Falls The Most On Donald Trump’
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a fellow 2024 GOP contender for president, issued a sharp criticism of the former president on Twitter, saying Trump “violated his oath.”
“The events around the White House from election night forward are a stain on our country’s history & a disgrace to the people who participated,” Christie wrote. “This disgrace falls the most on Donald Trump. He swore an oath to the Constitution, violated his oath & brought shame to his presidency."
“The events around the White House from election night forward are a stain on our country’s history & a disgrace to the people who participated,” Christie wrote. “This disgrace falls the most on Donald Trump. He swore an oath to the Constitution, violated his oath & brought shame to his presidency."
Member Of House Jan. 6 Panel Says Charges Will ‘Stress Our Justice System”
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the former House panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack, said Tuesday the indictment is the “most consequential” Trump faces.
He said the charges leveled by the special counsel build on work done by the bipartisan body before it disbanded, but will likely strain the nation as the case moves forward. Still, the lawmaker argued "the only thing more dangerous to our democracy than holding the powerful to account when they try to subvert our elections — would be the failure to do so."
“These charges — based in large part on evidence we uncovered through our work on the January 6th Committee — and the trial that will follow, will put our democracy to a new test,” Schiff said in a statement. “Can the rule of law be enforced against a former president and current candidate for president? For the sake of our democracy, we must hope that the answer is yes.”
He said the charges leveled by the special counsel build on work done by the bipartisan body before it disbanded, but will likely strain the nation as the case moves forward. Still, the lawmaker argued "the only thing more dangerous to our democracy than holding the powerful to account when they try to subvert our elections — would be the failure to do so."
“These charges — based in large part on evidence we uncovered through our work on the January 6th Committee — and the trial that will follow, will put our democracy to a new test,” Schiff said in a statement. “Can the rule of law be enforced against a former president and current candidate for president? For the sake of our democracy, we must hope that the answer is yes.”
Tracking The 4 Criminal Cases Against Trump
The latest indictment is Trump’s third this year, part of a legal whirlwind surrounding the former president. It’s a lot to keep track of, and he faces yet another case related to his efforts to interfere in Georgia after he lost that swing state to Joe Biden in 2020.
Politico has a great explainer about the status of those investigations and the key players involved here.
Politico has a great explainer about the status of those investigations and the key players involved here.
Rudy Giuliani Criticizes Jack Smith, Suggests Indictment Violates Trump’s First Amendment Right
In an interview on Tuesday evening, Rudy Giuliani said he wasn’t worried about special counsel Jack Smith, according to NBC News. He then went on to suggest that Donald Trump’s First Amendment right to free speech had been violated by the indictment.
“This one will be your legacy, violating the right of free speech of an American citizen,” Giuliani told Newsmax while holding up a copy of the indictment. “You don’t get to violate people’s First Amendment right, Smith, no matter who the hell you are.”
Giuliani appears to be one of the six alleged co-conspirators who aided Trump in his scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election, though the indictment doesn’t identify Giuliani, Trump's former personal attorney, by name.
“I cooperated against him? Like hell I did,” Giuliani said. “I don’t have any information that he violated any law.”
“This one will be your legacy, violating the right of free speech of an American citizen,” Giuliani told Newsmax while holding up a copy of the indictment. “You don’t get to violate people’s First Amendment right, Smith, no matter who the hell you are.”
Giuliani appears to be one of the six alleged co-conspirators who aided Trump in his scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election, though the indictment doesn’t identify Giuliani, Trump's former personal attorney, by name.
“I cooperated against him? Like hell I did,” Giuliani said. “I don’t have any information that he violated any law.”
It’s Unclear If Trump Will Appear In Person For First Court Date
One of Trump’s attorneys, John Lauro, said Tuesday on CNN that the former president would be there “either virtually or in person” for his first court appearance later this week.
Lauro added that the Jan. 6 indictment was “an attack on free speech and political advocacy.”
“So, at the end, our defense is going to be focusing on the fact that what we have now is an administration that has criminalized the free speech and advocacy of a prior administration during the time that there is a political election going on,” the attorney said.
Lauro added that the Jan. 6 indictment was “an attack on free speech and political advocacy.”
“So, at the end, our defense is going to be focusing on the fact that what we have now is an administration that has criminalized the free speech and advocacy of a prior administration during the time that there is a political election going on,” the attorney said.
Dem Leaders Weigh In: ‘A Stark Reminder’
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) issued a joint statement on Trump’s latest indictment, recalling the violence they witnessed on the day of the insurrection.
The Democrats called Jan. 6 “one of the saddest and most infamous days in American history, personally orchestrated by Donald Trump,” and described the indictment as “a stark reminder to generations of Americans” that no one is above the law.
Read the full statement here:
“The insurrection on January 6, 2021 was one of the saddest and most infamous days in American history, personally orchestrated by Donald Trump and fueled by his insidious Big Lie in an attempt to undermine the 2020 election. In a deadly effort to overturn the will of the American people and block the peaceful transition of power, our nation’s Capitol—the very symbol and home of American patriotism and democracy—fell under attack to thousands of vicious and violent rioters.
The third indictment of Mr. Trump illustrates in shocking detail that the violence of that day was the culmination of a months-long criminal plot led by the former president to defy democracy and overturn the will of the American people. This indictment is the most serious and most consequential thus far and will stand as a stark reminder to generations of Americans that no one, including a president of the United States, is above the law. The legal process must continue to move forward without any outside interference.”
The Democrats called Jan. 6 “one of the saddest and most infamous days in American history, personally orchestrated by Donald Trump,” and described the indictment as “a stark reminder to generations of Americans” that no one is above the law.
Read the full statement here:
“The insurrection on January 6, 2021 was one of the saddest and most infamous days in American history, personally orchestrated by Donald Trump and fueled by his insidious Big Lie in an attempt to undermine the 2020 election. In a deadly effort to overturn the will of the American people and block the peaceful transition of power, our nation’s Capitol—the very symbol and home of American patriotism and democracy—fell under attack to thousands of vicious and violent rioters.
The third indictment of Mr. Trump illustrates in shocking detail that the violence of that day was the culmination of a months-long criminal plot led by the former president to defy democracy and overturn the will of the American people. This indictment is the most serious and most consequential thus far and will stand as a stark reminder to generations of Americans that no one, including a president of the United States, is above the law. The legal process must continue to move forward without any outside interference.”
Republicans Argue Trump’s Indictment Is A Distraction From President Biden’s Son Hunter
Following former President Donald Trump’s indictment by a grand jury on Tuesday, several Republicans have come to Trump’s defense saying the indictment is meant to divert the country’s attention from President Joe Biden’s son Hunter.
Details On Trump's Co-Conspirators
According to Tuesday's indictment, six co-conspirators helped Trump in his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. These individuals are not explicitly named in the indictment, however HuffPost's Paul Blumenthal has identified most them using key context and details provided in the court filing.
The co-conspirators include lawyers Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, and Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark. The sixth co-conspirator's identity was not immediately clear from the indictment.
Read more details here:
The co-conspirators include lawyers Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, and Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark. The sixth co-conspirator's identity was not immediately clear from the indictment.
Read more details here:
Top Trump DOJ Official Argued The Insurrection Act Could Keep Trump In Power If Riots Occurred
In former President Donald Trump’s latest indictment, Co-Conspirator 4, Jeffrey Clark, isn't identified by name but as someone who “worked on civil matters and who, with the Defendant, attempted to use the Justice Department to open sham election crime investigations and influence state legislatures with knowingly false claims of election fraud.”
Deputy White House counsel Patrick Philbin told Clark, who was a top DOJ official during Trump’s administration, that if Trump remained in power despite his election loss there would be “riots in every major city in the United States.”
In trying to reason with Philbin, Clark told him that the Insurrection Act could be used to help Trump stay in power anyway, according to the indictment.
The Insurrection Act that Clark pointed to was enacted in 1972 and was intended to be used by presidents who needed to bring in the military to end civil disorder.
Deputy White House counsel Patrick Philbin told Clark, who was a top DOJ official during Trump’s administration, that if Trump remained in power despite his election loss there would be “riots in every major city in the United States.”
In trying to reason with Philbin, Clark told him that the Insurrection Act could be used to help Trump stay in power anyway, according to the indictment.
The Insurrection Act that Clark pointed to was enacted in 1972 and was intended to be used by presidents who needed to bring in the military to end civil disorder.
More On The Tough Judge Assigned To Trump's Case
Here's some more background on Judge Chutkan, who's been assigned Trump's case and is known for handing down tough sentences to Jan. 6 rioters.
Capitol Police Officers React To Indictment
As HuffPost’s Igor Bobic reports, several U.S. Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, shared their reactions to the news Tuesday of Donald Trump’s indictment.
Five Capitol Police officers died and more than 100 were injured during the attack by Trump supporters who stormed the building in hopes of stopping Congress from affirming Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory.
Five Capitol Police officers died and more than 100 were injured during the attack by Trump supporters who stormed the building in hopes of stopping Congress from affirming Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory.
Sergio Flores/Getty Images
Pence Blasts Trump: 'Our Country Is More Important Than One Man'
In a statement, former Vice President Mike Pence — who is running against Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 — said Tuesday's indictment serves as a "reminder" that "anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States."
"Our country is more important than one man," Pence continued. "Our constitution is more important than any one man's career. On January 6th, Former President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will."
Pence's contemporaneous notes from the days before the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were used as evidence against Trump in the indictment.
"Our country is more important than one man," Pence continued. "Our constitution is more important than any one man's career. On January 6th, Former President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will."
Pence's contemporaneous notes from the days before the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were used as evidence against Trump in the indictment.
Mike Pence's Notes Haunt Trump
As HuffPost's Igor Bobic reports, former Vice President Mike Pence's notes from conversations he had with Trump and the former president's allies in the days before the Capitol attack are being used as evidence in the indictment handed up Tuesday.
According to Pence's notes, Trump told his vice president he was "too honest" when Pence declined to help him overturn the 2020 election results.
According to Pence's notes, Trump told his vice president he was "too honest" when Pence declined to help him overturn the 2020 election results.
More On Smith's Statement
HuffPost's Daniel Marans has more details on special counsel Jack Smith's remarks at the Department of Justice on Tuesday. Read the full piece here:
Merrick Garland Praises Jack Smith For ‘Largest Investigation’ In Department’s History
Attorney General Merrick Garland said special counsel Jack Smith and his team “have followed the facts and the law wherever it may lead.”
“Career men and women of the Justice Department engaged in what has become the largest investigation in our history,” Garland told reporters Tuesday. “In November, I appointed Jack Smith special counsel to take on the ongoing investigation in order to underline the department’s commitment to accountability and independence.”
Garland added that Smith and his team “are experienced, principled career agents.”
“Career men and women of the Justice Department engaged in what has become the largest investigation in our history,” Garland told reporters Tuesday. “In November, I appointed Jack Smith special counsel to take on the ongoing investigation in order to underline the department’s commitment to accountability and independence.”
Garland added that Smith and his team “are experienced, principled career agents.”
Vivek Ramaswamy Once Again Pledges To Pardon Trump
In a video posted to Twitter, GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy promises to pardon Donald Trump for the indictment, which he describes as “un-American.”
“Donald Trump isn’t the cause of what happened on Jan 6. The real cause was systematic & pervasive censorship of citizens in the year leading up to it,” he wrote in the tweet Tuesday evening.
He continued: “If you tell people they can’t speak, that’s when they scream. If you tell people they can’t scream, that’s when they tear things down. If we fail to admit the truth, Jan 6 will just be a preview of far worse to come & I don’t want to see us get there.”
This is not the first time Ramaswamy has committed to pardoning Trump. The GOP presidential contender echoed similar sentiments following Trump’s indictment related to his handling of classified documents in June.
“Donald Trump isn’t the cause of what happened on Jan 6. The real cause was systematic & pervasive censorship of citizens in the year leading up to it,” he wrote in the tweet Tuesday evening.
He continued: “If you tell people they can’t speak, that’s when they scream. If you tell people they can’t scream, that’s when they tear things down. If we fail to admit the truth, Jan 6 will just be a preview of far worse to come & I don’t want to see us get there.”
This is not the first time Ramaswamy has committed to pardoning Trump. The GOP presidential contender echoed similar sentiments following Trump’s indictment related to his handling of classified documents in June.
John Eastman Is Co-conspirator No. 2
An attorney for lawyer John Eastman confirmed to NBC News that his client was unindicted co-conspirator No. 2 in the federal indictment handed up Tuesday against former President Donald Trump.
Eastman was part of the former president’s legal team that participated in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and he served as a lead architect of some of Trump’s attempts to remain in power. He was responsible for writing a memo claiming Vice President Mike Pence had the authority to keep Trump in power by using his ceremonial role during the Jan. 6 electoral vote count proceedings to prevent Congress from certifying the election in Joe Biden’s favor.
Earlier this year, Eastman faced several disciplinary charges related to his role in Trump’s efforts that could result in his disbarment in California.
Eastman was part of the former president’s legal team that participated in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and he served as a lead architect of some of Trump’s attempts to remain in power. He was responsible for writing a memo claiming Vice President Mike Pence had the authority to keep Trump in power by using his ceremonial role during the Jan. 6 electoral vote count proceedings to prevent Congress from certifying the election in Joe Biden’s favor.
Earlier this year, Eastman faced several disciplinary charges related to his role in Trump’s efforts that could result in his disbarment in California.
Meanwhile In Rehoboth Beach...
As his predecessor faces a third indictment, President Joe Biden is on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. According to a pool report, he's seeing "Oppenheimer" at a movie theater.
Biden has not commented on Trump's previous indictments and is unlikely to do so going forward.
Biden has not commented on Trump's previous indictments and is unlikely to do so going forward.
Jack Smith Wants Everyone To Read The New Indictment
Special counsel Jack Smith delivered a set of brief remarks Tuesday without taking any questions.
“Today, an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to disenfranchise voters, and conspiring and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding. The indictment was issued by a grand jury of citizens here in the District of Columbia, and it sets forth the crimes charged in detail,” Smith announced, adding: “I encourage everyone to read it in full.”
“The attack on our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies,” Smith said.
The law enforcement officers who responded to the attack were “heroes” and “patriots” representing “the very best of us,” he said. “They put their lives on the line to defend who we are as a country and as a people.”
His office would seek to hold a “speedy trial,” Smith noted.
“Today, an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to disenfranchise voters, and conspiring and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding. The indictment was issued by a grand jury of citizens here in the District of Columbia, and it sets forth the crimes charged in detail,” Smith announced, adding: “I encourage everyone to read it in full.”
“The attack on our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies,” Smith said.
The law enforcement officers who responded to the attack were “heroes” and “patriots” representing “the very best of us,” he said. “They put their lives on the line to defend who we are as a country and as a people.”
His office would seek to hold a “speedy trial,” Smith noted.
Trump Whined Pence Was ‘Too Honest’ For Not Helping Election Scheme: Indictment
Former President Donald Trump grew frustrated with then-Vice President Mike Pence for not going along with Trump’s scheme to overturn election results, according to Tuesday’s indictment.
On Jan. 1 2021, days before the Capitol attack, Trump called Pence and “berated him” because Trump had learned Pence opposed a lawsuit that would have given Pence authority to “reject or return votes to the states under the Constitution,” the indictment says.
“In response, the Defendant told the Vice President: ‘You’re too honest!’” the indictment reads.
Hours after the conversation, Trump tweeted about holding a “BIG Protest Rally in Washington, D.C.” on Jan. 6.
On Jan. 1 2021, days before the Capitol attack, Trump called Pence and “berated him” because Trump had learned Pence opposed a lawsuit that would have given Pence authority to “reject or return votes to the states under the Constitution,” the indictment says.
“In response, the Defendant told the Vice President: ‘You’re too honest!’” the indictment reads.
Hours after the conversation, Trump tweeted about holding a “BIG Protest Rally in Washington, D.C.” on Jan. 6.
Ron DeSantis Reacts To Indictment: ‘I Will End The Weaponization Of Government’
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) took news of Donald Trump’s indictment as an opportunity to bolster his 2024 presidential campaign, vowing to enact reform to end the “weaponization of the government,” replace the FBI director and “ensure a single standard of justice for all Americans.”
“While I’ve seen reports, I have not read the indictment. I do, though, believe we need to enact reforms so that Americans have the right to remove cases from Washington, DC to their home districts,” he tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.
He continued: “Washington, DC is a “swamp” and it is unfair to have to stand trial before a jury that is reflective of the swamp mentality.”
https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1686494955420692480?s=20
“While I’ve seen reports, I have not read the indictment. I do, though, believe we need to enact reforms so that Americans have the right to remove cases from Washington, DC to their home districts,” he tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.
He continued: “Washington, DC is a “swamp” and it is unfair to have to stand trial before a jury that is reflective of the swamp mentality.”
https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1686494955420692480?s=20
What We Know About The Judge In Trump's New Case
U.S. District Judge Tanya Sue Chutkan has been assigned to oversee the new case against Trump. She was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2014.
Chutkan is known for being one of the most aggressive sentencers of Jan. 6 rioters, according to findings last month by The Associated Press. Its report found that in seven cases, Chutkan has handed out tougher sentences than those sought by the Justice Department, matched its requests in four cases and sentenced all 11 defendants to time behind bars. She is the only judge who has exceeded prosecutors’ recommended punishment in a majority of the cases they oversaw.
Chutkan is known for being one of the most aggressive sentencers of Jan. 6 rioters, according to findings last month by The Associated Press. Its report found that in seven cases, Chutkan has handed out tougher sentences than those sought by the Justice Department, matched its requests in four cases and sentenced all 11 defendants to time behind bars. She is the only judge who has exceeded prosecutors’ recommended punishment in a majority of the cases they oversaw.
Grand Jury Says Trump Played Pivotal Role In Jan. 6 Insurrection
In the indictment, the grand jury says that Trump and his co-conspirators tried to convince then-Vice President Mike Pence to use his ceremonial role at the Jan. 6, 2021, Electoral College certification proceeding at the Capitol to illegally change the results of the election. When that effort was unsuccessful, Trump on the morning of Jan. 6 lied about election fraud to his supporters, falsely claimed that Pence had the power to alter the election results and directed his supporters to go to the Capitol to interfere with the vote count.
“After it became public on the afternoon of January 6 that the Vice President would not fraudulently alter the election results, a large and angry crowd – including many individuals whom the Defendant had deceived into believing the Vice President could and might change the election results – violently attacked the Capitol and halted the proceeding,” the indictment read.
“As violence ensued, the Defendant and co-conspirators exploited the disruption by redoubling efforts to levy false claims of election fraud and convince Members of Congress to further delay the certification based on those claims.”
“After it became public on the afternoon of January 6 that the Vice President would not fraudulently alter the election results, a large and angry crowd – including many individuals whom the Defendant had deceived into believing the Vice President could and might change the election results – violently attacked the Capitol and halted the proceeding,” the indictment read.
“As violence ensued, the Defendant and co-conspirators exploited the disruption by redoubling efforts to levy false claims of election fraud and convince Members of Congress to further delay the certification based on those claims.”
Capitol Police Officer Says Trump’s Indictment Is Only The First Step
Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who wrote a book about being in the midst of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, tweeted a statement on Tuesday about former President Donald Trump’s indictment.
“937 days and counting... An indictment is only a mile marker along the highway to justice and accountability,” he wrote.
Dunn has frequently advocated for Trump to be brought to justice for the his role in the riot.
“Real justice is what? A guilty verdict. With an indictment — just say the trial doesn’t happen ’til after the election, and say Trump wins. You know that s--- goes away if he wins, right?” Dunn told MSNBC’s Ja'han Jones last week.
“937 days and counting... An indictment is only a mile marker along the highway to justice and accountability,” he wrote.
Dunn has frequently advocated for Trump to be brought to justice for the his role in the riot.
“Real justice is what? A guilty verdict. With an indictment — just say the trial doesn’t happen ’til after the election, and say Trump wins. You know that s--- goes away if he wins, right?” Dunn told MSNBC’s Ja'han Jones last week.
New Charges Reference 6 Known Co-Conspirators
The 45-page indictment references six co-conspirators who allegedly helped Trump “in his criminal efforts to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 election and retain power.”
They are not named and only vaguely described.
Four are attorneys who variously helped devise the “fake elector” scheme and helped Trump spread false claims about the election — even claims that Trump privately acknowledged as “crazy,” according to the indictment. One is a political consultant who also helped with the elector scheme, and another is a Justice Department official who allegedly opened up sham election investigations.
They are not named and only vaguely described.
Four are attorneys who variously helped devise the “fake elector” scheme and helped Trump spread false claims about the election — even claims that Trump privately acknowledged as “crazy,” according to the indictment. One is a political consultant who also helped with the elector scheme, and another is a Justice Department official who allegedly opened up sham election investigations.
Trump To Appear In Court On Thursday
Donald Trump is scheduled to appear Thursday before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya at 4 p.m. Eastern time in Washington D.C., according to NBC News.
Here Are The 4 Charges Trump Is Facing In Jan. 6 Indictment
Trump has been hit with four federal charges in connection with his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. They are:
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States
- Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding
- Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official investigation
- Conspiracy against rights
Trump Compares Justice Department To Nazi Germany
Trump protested against his latest indictment with a statement saying it is all part of an effort to influence the 2024 presidential election — a claim he has made repeatedly without evidence.
“The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the former Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes," Trump said in the statement. "President Trump has always followed the law and the Constitution, with advice from many highly accomplished attorneys.”
Trump has, of course, had increasing difficulty finding and retaining lawyers after leaving the White House.
“These un-American witch hunts will fail and President Trump will be re-elected to the White House so he can save our Country from the abuse, incompetence, and corruption that is running through the veins of our Country at levels never seen before,” his statement read.
Read the whole thing at Truth Social.
“The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, the former Soviet Union, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes," Trump said in the statement. "President Trump has always followed the law and the Constitution, with advice from many highly accomplished attorneys.”
Trump has, of course, had increasing difficulty finding and retaining lawyers after leaving the White House.
“These un-American witch hunts will fail and President Trump will be re-elected to the White House so he can save our Country from the abuse, incompetence, and corruption that is running through the veins of our Country at levels never seen before,” his statement read.
Read the whole thing at Truth Social.
Read The Full 45-Page Indictment Against Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump has been charged with four federal counts in connection with his role in the Jan, 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Read the full 45-page document here.
Read the full 45-page document here.
Read More On The Indictment
HuffPost's S.V. Date has all the details on Trump's latest indictment. Read more here:
Jack Smith To Hold Presser On Indictment
Though the indictment remains sealed, the Justice Department has announced that special prosecutor Jack Smith will hold a news conference on C-SPAN any minute now.
ABC: Trump Has Been Informed He's Been Indicted
Stay Tuned For Live Updates
The federal grand jury investigating Trump's involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has handed up a sealed indictment, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Stay tuned for further updates.