Prosecutors Allege Trump “Resorted to Crimes” to Overturn 2020 Election in New Court Filing
Prosecutors have accused Donald Trump of committing crimes to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to a newly released court filing. The Special Counsel Jack Smith, appointed to lead the election interference case, argued that Trump is not immune from prosecution despite his claims to protection under a recent Supreme Court ruling.
In the 165-page document made public on Wednesday, prosecutors claim Trump engaged in a “private criminal effort” to challenge the election results. They argue that many of Trump’s alleged actions were not official acts as president but rather connected to his campaign or his role as a private citizen. The filing contends that the Supreme Court’s ruling, which grants immunity for official acts, does not apply to Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.
The document alleges that Trump and his allies, including Rudy Giuliani, sought to exploit the January 6th Capitol riots to delay the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Prosecutors presented evidence that Trump had always intended to declare victory, regardless of the election outcome, and knowingly spread false claims about voter fraud. The filing details efforts by Trump’s campaign to challenge ballots in key battleground states, including Michigan, where a Trump operative allegedly sought to fabricate reasons for legal challenges to Biden’s votes.
Prosecutors highlighted several instances of dissent from Mike Pence, Trump’s then vice-president, who repeatedly rejected Trump’s demands to overturn the election results. They also alleged that Trump showed indifference when informed that rioters had endangered Pence’s life during the Capitol insurrection, reportedly responding, “So what?”
Trump’s legal team has dismissed the filing as unconstitutional and riddled with falsehoods, while Trump himself labeled the case a “hit job” on Truth Social. He criticized the timing of the release, with the upcoming 2024 election in mind, accusing prosecutors of misconduct.
The filing provides new evidence and offers the clearest picture yet of the case against Trump, but a trial date has not yet been set. Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing and predicts his “complete victory” in the case.
