On Thursday, Donald Trump maintained his innocence in relation to accusations that he conspired to overturn the outcome of the 2020 elections, a move which U.S. prosecutors describe as a unique attempt by the then-president to destabilize the cornerstones of American democracy.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, responsible for overseeing the federal investigation, was present in the front row of the courtroom as Trump communicated his plea to U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya.
Trump asserted his innocence by stating, "Not guilty," with a strong emphasis on the first word.
The procedural hearing, which spanned roughly 30 minutes, was held in a Washington courthouse that's located approximately a kilometer (0.6 miles) from the U.S. Capitol - the site stormed by Trump's followers on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to prevent Congress from confirming his defeat.
This marks the third time since April that Trump has asserted his innocence, with an anticipated lengthy pretrial period set against the backdrop of the 2024 presidential campaign, where Trump leads the race for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden.
In a 45-page indictment issued on Tuesday, Smith alleged that Trump and his supporters spread unfounded claims about election fraud, put pressure on state and federal officials to manipulate the results, and assembled bogus elector groups to steal electoral votes from Biden.
The 77-year-old Trump is facing four charges, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S., violation of citizens' voting rights, and obstruction of an official proceeding. The most severe charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.
The following hearing for the case is scheduled for August 28 before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan. However, Upadhyaya specified that Trump's presence wouldn't be necessary. At this time, Chutkan plans to establish a trial date, stated Upadhyaya.
John Lauro, Trump's attorney, lodged an early objection, arguing that due to the enormity of the case and the volume of materials involved, a significant amount of time could be needed.
In response, Prosecutor Thomas Windom argued that the case should move forward as per usual, including holding a swift trial.
Trump was discharged with no travel restrictions. One of the conditions of his release stipulates that he may not discuss the case with any witnesses unless his lawyers are present.
Trump has characterized the indictment, along with other criminal cases against him, as a politically motivated "witch hunt" designed to undermine his presidential campaign.
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