Trump Indictment Updated: Special Counsel Removes Immunity-Protected Claims
Special Counsel Revises Trump Election Interference Indictment
Special Counsel Jack Smith has filed a revised election interference indictment against former President Donald Trump, maintaining the original four charges while removing certain allegations that could potentially be protected by presidential immunity.
The updated indictment, announced Tuesday by Smith’s office, comes after a second grand jury vote. It retains the same four counts against Trump but eliminates some of the alleged conduct that may now fall under presidential immunity following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
“Today, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment, ECF No. 226, charging the defendant with the same criminal offenses that were charged in the original indictment,” Smith’s office stated in an email to Business Insider.
The charges against Trump remain unchanged, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct the certification of the electoral vote count, obstruction of the certification, and conspiracy to deprive voters of the right to have their votes counted.
This revision appears to be a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark opinion last month, which granted presidents broad protection from prosecution for official acts. Notably, the new indictment removes references to Trump’s interactions with Justice Department officials regarding claims of election fraud.
In a separate filing, Senior Assistant Special Counsel Molly Gaston indicated that Smith’s office is not requesting Trump to appear in court for arraignment on the new indictment.
This development marks a significant update in the ongoing legal proceedings against the former president. As the situation continues to evolve, further updates are expected.
