Former President Donald Trump has been dealt another major legal blow. On Thursday, federal prosecutors formally charged him with four criminal counts related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The indictment accuses Trump of conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstructing and attempting to obstruct that proceeding, and conspiring to violate constitutionally protected civil rights. At the heart of these charges lies Trump’s conduct in the weeks leading up to the violent events of January 6, 2021, when Congress convened to certify Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Allegations at the Core
According to the indictment, Trump knowingly spread false claims of widespread voter fraud despite being repeatedly told by advisers, government officials, and even members of his own administration that such allegations were baseless. Prosecutors argue that he not only misled the public but also sought to pressure state officials, Justice Department leaders, and even Vice President Mike Pence into discarding lawful election results.
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