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Prosecutors Allege Trump “Resorted to Crimes” to Overturn 2020 Election in New Court Filing

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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.

 

Walz and Vance Clash Politely in Policy-Focused Vice Presidential Debate

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In a relatively civil vice presidential debate, Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance sparred over key policy issues on Tuesday, leaving behind the inflammatory rhetoric that has marked much of the election season. Although both candidates have been vocal critics of each other on the campaign trail, they directed much of their criticism at the leading figures of their respective tickets—Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump.

Tensions flared during the closing moments when Vance, who has previously expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, dodged a question on whether he would challenge the results of this year’s election if Trump were to lose. Walz, Minnesota’s governor, accused Vance of avoiding accountability, tying Trump’s false claims of voter fraud to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Focused Policy Debate Throughout the debate, both candidates covered a wide range of issues, including the escalating Middle East crisis, inflation, immigration, taxes, abortion, climate change, and the economy. Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, used the opportunity to question Vice President Harris’s track record on economic issues, while Walz attacked Trump’s foreign policy and leadership, accusing him of mishandling immigration reform during his presidency.

The debate also touched on the growing conflict in the Middle East, with Vance suggesting that Israel should have the autonomy to decide on preemptive strikes against Iran, while Walz criticized Trump’s erratic approach to international affairs.

Moderated Tone, Underlying Tensions Despite the sharp contrasts in their policy positions, both candidates maintained a cordial tone, embodying what has been described as “Midwestern nice.” Vance was careful in his criticism of Harris but focused on attacking her handling of inflation and immigration, suggesting that she should have already implemented solutions rather than waiting for another term. Walz, meanwhile, painted Trump as an unpredictable leader who favored billionaires and failed to deliver on his campaign promises, particularly in regard to immigration.

Political Fallout Vice presidential debates rarely sway elections, but with the race as close as it is, even small shifts in voter opinion could prove decisive. Both candidates aimed to solidify their support while attempting to win over undecided voters. While Vance defended Trump’s record, he was pressed on his own previous criticisms of the former president, admitting he was wrong about Trump in the past. Walz, in turn, faced questions about past claims that he was present during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, admitting he had misspoken.

Polls have shown mixed feelings about both vice-presidential candidates. Vance, despite being a best-selling author, is viewed unfavorably by 51% of registered voters. Walz, a former high school teacher, fares slightly better, but the tight race remains unpredictable, especially in the swing states.

 

Hurricane Helene Leaves Over 90 Dead, Widespread Destruction Across Southeastern U.S.

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The Southeastern United States is facing a massive cleanup and recovery operation after Hurricane Helene ravaged the region, leaving at least 90 people dead and causing widespread damage. The storm, which brought powerful winds, torrential rain, and destructive storm surges, impacted states from Florida to Virginia, knocking out power for millions, washing away roads and bridges, and causing severe flooding.

As of Sunday, officials in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia confirmed 90 fatalities, with fears that more bodies could be discovered as search and rescue efforts continue. Buncombe County in North Carolina was hit particularly hard, with 30 confirmed deaths. County Manager Avril Pinder has requested emergency food and water, as parts of Asheville remain submerged. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the event as a catastrophe of “historic proportions,” with many in western North Carolina claiming they’ve never experienced such destruction.

Across the region, around 2.7 million people were left without power, though that number had decreased by 40% from Friday’s peak. Major infrastructure damage has delayed recovery efforts, and in Flat Rock, North Carolina, residents queued for hours for gas amidst widespread blackouts.

In South Carolina, 25 deaths were reported, Georgia had 17, and Florida confirmed 11 fatalities. President Joe Biden plans to visit the devastated areas later in the week to offer federal recovery assistance after declaring major disasters in several states. He referred to the damage as “stunning,” pledging long-term support.

Hurricane Helene first made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast late Thursday, causing extensive damage. Coastal areas, including Horseshoe Beach, saw entire homes destroyed. Charlene Huggins, a resident of Horseshoe Beach, returned to the remains of her family’s home, which had housed five generations. “It just breaks your heart,” she said, holding a treasured family heirloom.

Further along the coast in Steinhatchee, an eight to 10-foot storm surge pushed mobile homes from their foundations, with some areas experiencing surges up to 15 feet. Residents of the small fishing community Spring Warrior Fish Camp were still waiting for emergency aid as they began to sift through the wreckage. David Hall, a local hotel owner, expressed the isolation many feel, saying, “No one thinks of us back here.”

In neighboring Keaton Beach, Kristin Macqueen helped friends salvage what they could after their home was destroyed. “It’s complete devastation,” she said. “Houses have just been ripped off their slabs.”

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the damage and assist with relief efforts.