The Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, released a 165-page filing detailing election subversion allegations against former President Donald Trump. The filing argues that Trump does not deserve immunity from criminal charges because his conduct was for private gain rather than in his duty of public office. It states that Trump, along with private co-conspirators, acted as a candidate to disrupt the government’s function of collecting and counting votes after losing the 2020 presidential election. The filing outlines four charges against Trump related to trying to overturn the election and obstructing Congress in counting Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021.
The filing details Trump’s criminal conduct, including lying to state officials, manufacturing fraudulent electoral votes, and inciting a mob to storm the Capitol. It also highlights Trump’s pressure on former Vice President Mike Pence to recognize Republican electors, implicating Pence in the case.
Trump’s lawyers criticized the lengthy filing, calling it a “monstrosity” and a “false hit piece” that could influence the upcoming election. They argued that the allegations could prejudice the case and jury pool. However, the judge ruled that Trump’s team had not shown how the filing would affect the case. Trump has until October 17 to formally reply to the charges.
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