The former president faces charges of conspiracy, obstruction, and civil rights violations related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Former President Donald Trump has entered a not guilty plea to a new indictment issued by Special Counsel Jack Smith in connection with the investigation into his alleged efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Trump's lawyers filed the plea during a status hearing in federal court in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The former president did not appear in court.
Trump Pleads Not Guilty to New Election Subversion Indictment
The new indictment, which includes four felony counts, was issued last week and supersedes an earlier indictment against Trump. The charges 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.
Specifically, Smith alleges that Trump pressured former Vice President Mike Pence to reject legitimate electoral votes, in addition to mounting fake electors in key states that went to President Biden and to attest to Trump's electoral victory.
Trump Pleads Not Guilty to New Election Subversion Indictment
The new indictment narrows and reframes the allegations against Trump after a Supreme Court ruling that conferred broad immunity on former presidents. The indictment removes allegations involving Department of Justice officials and other government officials. It also clarifies Trump's role as a candidate and makes clear the allegations regarding his conversations with Pence in his ceremonial role as president of the Senate.
Trump has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and has repeatedly called the charges against him a politically motivated witch hunt.
Trump Pleads Not Guilty to New Election Subversion Indictment
In a statement released after the indictment was unsealed last week, Trump said, "These charges are a continuation of the greatest and most vicious witch hunt in the history of our country."
The special counsel's office declined to comment on Trump's plea.
Trump Pleads Not Guilty to New Election Subversion Indictment
The case is expected to proceed with further hearings and pretrial proceedings. It is unlikely to go to trial before the November election.
Trump is the first former president to be indicted on criminal charges since Richard Nixon in 1974. Nixon resigned from office before he could be impeached by the House of Representatives.
The investigation into Trump's alleged election subversion is one of several legal challenges facing the former president. He is also facing a civil lawsuit from the House of Representatives for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The outcome of the election subversion investigation could have significant implications for American politics and the rule of law. If Trump is convicted, it could set a precedent for holding future presidents accountable for their actions while in office.
