WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump indicated Tuesday that he would plead not guilty to charges of attempting to overturn the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, according to a notice filed in court where Trump waived arraignment and requested that his lawyers enter the plea for him.
Updated Indictment Incorporates Supreme Court Decision
The new indictment from Special Counsel Jack Smith still levels the original four counts against Trump but has been revised in response to a recent decision by the Supreme Court. In a July decision, the Supreme Court ruled that while a former president enjoys wide immunity from prosecution for actions taken in an official capacity while in office, they do not enjoy immunity from prosecution for unofficial actions. The new indictment revises some aspects of the case to comport with this ruling but retains the substance of the charges against Trump.Trump’s Application to Waive Arraignment Granted
District Judge Tanya Chutkan has granted Trump’s motion to waive the appearance for arraignment, which is to be conducted along with a status conference this Thursday. In this way, the proceedings will go forward without him having to physically appear before the court. The superseding indictment still charges Trump with leading an effort to overturn the 2020 election outcome-consumed by his determination to stay in office even after he lost the election.Criminal Charges Against Trump
The date for the trial was rescheduled from the initial date of March 4 amidst relentless attempts by Trump’s defense team to push the limits of presidential immunity. Attorneys for Trump, furthermore, work to win a postponement of the trial until after the November election, in which he is supposed to face Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.
Aside from the federal case, Trump faces a trial in New York and one in Georgia. In May, he was found guilty in New York on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Sentencing is set for September 18. Trump also faces an indictment in Georgia relating to his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election.
