A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has unsealed new evidence detailing former President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The 165-page court filing, made public by Judge Tanya Chutkan on Wednesday, outlines the prosecution’s argument that Trump acted in a personal capacity to interfere with the election process, despite holding the office of president at the time.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the case, aims to challenge the notion of presidential immunity for Trump’s actions.
The filing presents a comprehensive account of Trump’s attempts to retain power as his term neared its end, emphasizing that these actions were private and not part of his official presidential duties.
According to prosecutors, Trump repeatedly disregarded advice from advisers and staff who informed him there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
The evidence includes statements from Trump urging his allies to “fight like hell” and amplifying false claims of election fraud, culminating in the January 6th Capitol riot, which disrupted the certification of the Electoral College results.
Trump also allegedly pressured then-Vice President Mike Pence to stop the certification process, despite knowing no fraud had occurred.
The former president has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include conspiracy to obstruct congressional proceedings and defraud the United States.
Trump’s legal team continues to dismiss the case as politically motivated, while he remains a prominent figure in the race for the 2024 presidency.
