On a recent CNN interview, Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), criticized federal prosecutors for introducing new evidence in Donald Trump’s election fraud case just weeks before the upcoming election. She labeled it a “ridiculous ploy,” suggesting the timing aimed to sway voter opinion against him.
This comes after U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan partly unsealed a 165-page brief from special counsel Jack Smith, aimed at reinforcing that Trump’s actions following the 2020 election were personal and not governmental, allowing them to remain part of the indictment.
Trump is up against four felony counts for allegedly trying to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, culminating in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
Notably, Smith’s filing detailed a conversation between Trump and a White House aide on the day of the Capitol attack, where Trump reportedly displayed indifference to the safety of then-Vice President Mike Pence, saying, “So what?” when informed about Pence’s secure location due to the unrest.
During her CNN appearance, Lara Trump was asked about the appropriateness of her father-in-law’s response, to which she reiterated her belief that the Democrats are trying to distract voters from their dissatisfaction with their candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. She emphasized that the focus should be on more pressing issues rather than January 6.
Legal experts have described the evidence presented against Trump as “damning” as the election approaches. Additional allegations surfaced, including a November 2020 message from a Trump campaign staffer encouraging chaos during vote counting in Detroit.
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Trump is also accused of telling family members, including Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump, that winning or losing didn’t matter; they must “fight like hell,” a remark overheard by a willing witness. He has referred to Smith’s evidence as a “hit job,” also expressing distrust in the DOJ’s motivations.
Despite his claims of widespread voter fraud in 2020, Trump maintains he would only accept the results of the 2024 election if they are “honest.” Lara Trump mentioned he would, of course, accept results perceived to be free and fair.
Looking ahead, Trump’s trial won’t start until after the November elections, with ongoing pre-trial proceedings. Judge Chutkan has set a deadline of November 7 for Trump to respond to the new filing, which stems from a recent Supreme Court ruling about former presidential immunity.
While some specific allegations have been dropped in the updated indictment, Trump still faces the same four charges from his original indictment filed in August 2023: conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction; and conspiracy against rights.