Prosecutors have alleged in a new court filing that Donald Trump “resorted to crimes” in an effort to overturn the 2020 election results, countering his claim of immunity based on a recent Supreme Court ruling. Special Counsel Jack Smith argues that Trump acted outside his official capacity and engaged in a “private criminal effort” to challenge the election outcome.
The filing emphasizes that Trump’s actions, including spreading false claims about voter fraud, were not protected as official acts while he was in office. It also details instances where Vice President Mike Pence attempted to convince Trump of the election’s legitimacy, including moments during the January 6 Capitol riot, where Trump reportedly showed indifference to Pence’s safety.
Despite Trump’s lawyers attempting to keep the filing sealed, it has been made public, and Trump responded by calling it a “hit job” aimed at influencing the upcoming election. The document presents new evidence and outlines how prosecutors plan to argue their case, suggesting that Trump had intended to declare victory regardless of the actual results.
A trial date has not yet been set, and the outcome remains uncertain as Trump maintains his innocence and confidence in ultimately prevailing in the case.