Prosecutors have accused Donald Trump of resorting to illegal activities in an effort to overturn the 2020 election results, asserting that he is not immune from prosecution in a new court filing. Special Counsel Jack Smith has led this case, and the filing was unsealed on Wednesday, intensifying the legal battle surrounding Trump.
This document challenges Trump’s assertion of immunity based on a recent Supreme Court ruling that broadly protects official acts performed by the president. According to prosecutors, Trump was not acting within his official capacity when engaging in efforts to contest the election, but rather pursued a “private criminal effort” to alter the election outcome.
The 165-page document aims to strengthen the criminal case against Trump, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision. The ruling, deemed a significant win for Trump at the time, allowed prosecutors to refine their indictment, emphasizing that immunity does not extend to unofficial acts. This leads to the argument that many of Trump’s actions were tied to his campaign and personal interests, rather than his presidential duties.
In the filing, prosecutors assert that the court should mandate Trump to face trial for these alleged personal crimes as any other citizen would. There has been significant delay in the case, which was initiated over a year ago, accusing Trump of attempting to illegally obstruct the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in January 2021.
Trump’s legal team attempted to keep this filing sealed, with campaign representatives labeling it as filled with inaccuracies and unconstitutional statements. Trump characterized the filing as a “hit job,” claiming its release was strategically timed before the upcoming election.
The filing not only presents new evidence but also outlines how prosecutors plan to argue their case against Trump in court. It maintains that Trump intended to declare victory regardless of the actual election results, laying the groundwork for this strategy well in advance of election day. Furthermore, it accuses him of knowingly disseminating false information about the election process.
New allegations detail the Trump campaign’s purported role in inciting confusion in key states, particularly amidst the counting of mail-in ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it claims that Trump and his allies, including Rudy Giuliani, attempted to exploit the chaos during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, to challenge the certification of electors by pressuring senators to object.
Trump expressed confidence on Wednesday, stating that he anticipates a “complete victory” in the case. While a trial date has not yet been established, it is likely to occur after the November 5 election.
