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(Washington, DC) — New details are being released related to former President Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. A Washington D.C. grand jury indictment accused Trump of actions that culminated in the violent siege at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
In a court filing released Wednesday (October 2, 2024), Special Counsel Jack Smith said Trump intentionally lied to former Vice President Mike Pence, state election officials and the public. The filing alleges Trump described some of the claims of election fraud as “crazy” behind closed doors. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the case, released the filing, with minor redactions.
The special counsel is using the 165-page document to make his case that Trump’s actions around the election were made in a private capacity and not in his official role as president, thereby excluding him from immunity.
This all comes following the July ruling from the Supreme Court on presidential immunity that found Trump isn’t eligible for criminal prosecution for acts committed when he was in office. Last year, Trump pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to creating a criminal scheme to overturn the election results.
Trump’s lawyers said the filing would improperly influence the election and that violates the Department of Justice policies. If he regains the White House, Trump is expected to direct new Justice Department leaders to drop the landmark case.
