Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to charges related to his alleged orchestration of a plot to overturn his 2020 election loss. The charges were brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith, who accused Trump of promoting false claims that the election was rigged, pressuring officials to alter the results, and assembling fake slates of electors to change the electoral votes. Trump faces four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruct an official proceeding, with the most serious charge carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
The arraignment took place in a Washington courthouse near the U.S. Capitol, the same building that Trump’s supporters stormed on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to halt the certification of his defeat. This marks the third time Trump has pleaded not guilty since April, and the legal proceedings are expected to continue amidst the backdrop of the 2024 presidential campaign, in which Trump is considered the front-runner for the Republican nomination against Democratic President Joe Biden.
Trump’s lawyer, John Lauro, raised objections, arguing that the case’s magnitude and the amount of materials involved might require considerable time. However, the prosecutor, Thomas Windom, pushed for the case to proceed with a speedy trial.
Despite his legal troubles, Trump’s status as the Republican front-runner has not significantly wavered. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 47% of Republican voters would support him, with 75% agreeing that the charges were politically motivated. However, around half of Republicans said they would not vote for Trump if he were convicted of a felony, suggesting that his legal entanglements could pose risks to his candidacy.
The indictment featured some details not widely known, including accounts from grand jury testimony and contemporaneous notes from former Vice President Mike Pence. The indictment describes a phone call in which Pence told Trump there was no legal basis for the theory that he could block certification of the election. Trump responded by repeating the claim despite being told otherwise. On January 6, Trump encouraged his supporters to pressure Pence to overturn the election results, and some rioters later chanted “Hang Mike Pence.”
Trump’s legal battles continue, with the possibility of facing additional charges in Georgia, where a state prosecutor is investigating his attempts to overturn the election. While Trump’s legal situation has not significantly impacted his standing among his base, it remains a significant factor in the 2024 presidential race.