Donald Trump is set to plead not guilty to revised charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 US presidential election results. A court filing on Tuesday reveals that Trump has waived his right to be present at his arraignment and has directed his attorneys to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
The new indictment, filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith, maintains the original four charges against Trump but has been updated to reflect a recent Supreme Court decision. This ruling clarified the extent of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, affecting how the charges are framed.
District Judge Tanya Chutkan has approved Trump’s request to skip the arraignment, which will now coincide with a status conference on Thursday. The revised indictment removes elements related to presidential immunity but keeps the core allegations that Trump sought to subvert the election results.
The Supreme Court’s July ruling determined that while a former president enjoys broad immunity for official acts, they can still be prosecuted for unofficial actions. This distinction has influenced the latest legal proceedings against Trump.
Trump’s legal team has sought to delay the trial until after the upcoming presidential election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. They argue that the timing of the trial could unfairly impact the election outcome.
In addition to these federal charges, Trump faces related accusations in Georgia, where he is also implicated in attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. These charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding, specifically targeting the January 6, 2021, congressional session.
Originally scheduled for trial on March 4, the case has been postponed due to ongoing legal arguments about presidential immunity. Trump was convicted in a separate New York case in May for falsifying business records, with sentencing set for September 18.
As Trump continues to navigate these legal challenges, the broader implications for his political career and the 2024 presidential election remain closely watched by observers and supporters alike.