Former President Donald Trump will be facing charges in federal court for conspiracy to subvert the 2020 election, according to recent reports. On Thursday, Trump is expected to make his first appearance in federal court in Washington, D.C., where he will face charges related to an alleged conspiracy to undermine the results of the last presidential election.
The arraignment hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya. During the hearing, federal prosecutors will outline the charges against Trump, which include four felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct the congressional proceeding on January 6, 2021, conspiracy against the right to vote, and obstruction of an official proceeding.
It is anticipated that Trump will plead not guilty, as his lawyer, John Lauro, has claimed that he has evidence supporting his defense. The terms of bail will also be determined during the arraignment hearing. Additionally, initial deadlines for pretrial motions and discovery will likely be established in the upcoming hearing.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who has presided over several trials involving defendants from the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Judge Chutkan has previously denied Trump’s request to withhold records related to the attack, asserting that former presidents are not entitled to executive privilege.
Trump’s indictment in this case marks the third indictment he has faced this year. In April, he pleaded not guilty to 35 fraud charges in New York, and in June, he entered a not guilty plea to 37 federal felony charges for retaining classified materials after leaving office. Prosecutors have accused him of participating in a conspiracy to overturn the election results by spreading baseless claims and pressuring state officials.
The upcoming arraignment hearing is a significant step in the legal process, but it is important to note that more consequential proceedings will follow, where both parties will present their arguments and evidence. Trump’s arraignment hearing is not expected to result in his detention prior to trial, as prosecutors have not requested it.
In summary, former President Donald Trump will be appearing in federal court to face charges related to an alleged conspiracy to subvert the 2020 election. The arraignment hearing will provide an opportunity for federal prosecutors to outline the charges, for Trump to enter his plea, and for bail terms to be determined. This hearing marks an important milestone in the legal proceedings, although more significant moments are expected to come as both sides present their cases.