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Former President Donald Trump will enter a plea of ‘not guilty’ in federal court on Thursday regarding the four federal charges brought forth by Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation.
The charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
Trump made his way from his resort in Bedminster, N.J., to Washington D.C. for the court appearance at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Presiding over Thursday’s proceedings is US Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhaya, while Judge Tanya Chutkan will oversee the trial.
In an attempt to seek an impartial venue, Trump expressed his desire for the case to be moved to the State of West Virginia, suggesting that obtaining a fair trial in Washington, D.C., is ‘IMPOSSIBLE.’
He believes that Washington is overwhelmingly anti-Trump, making it a challenge to secure unbiased judgment.
Trump further implied that he considers Washington’s present condition a ‘high crime embarrassment’ to the nation and the world, asserting that the indictment is solely related to election interference.
The indictment stems from the investigation led by Special Counsel Smith, which sought to determine whether Trump or other entities interfered with the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election.
It specifically focuses on events related to the certification of the Electoral College vote on January 6, 2021. That day, pro-Trump rioters breached the U.S. Capitol during a joint session of Congress.
Trump’s actions led to him being impeached twice by the House of Representatives on charges of inciting an insurrection, making him the first and only president to face such consequences.
This isn’t the first federal indictment Trump faces as a result of Smith’s investigation. In the Southern District of Florida, he previously pleaded not guilty to 37 counts related to the alleged improper retention of classified records from his presidency.
These charges include willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and false statements. Last week, an additional three counts were added to the superseding indictment in that probe.
Trump stands as the first former president in U.S. history to be confronted with federal criminal charges. In his latest post on Truth Social, he voiced his accusation that the Biden administration is pursuing these charges to deplete funds from his 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump believes this strategic move is an attempt to hinder his ability to compete effectively. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast, affirming that in 2024 ‘it will be our turn’ and expressing his unwavering commitment to Make America Great Again (MAGA).
According to campaign finance documents, Trump has already expended at least $42.8 million this year, with a significant portion allocated to covering legal expenses associated with his ongoing legal battles.
Despite the financial strain, the former president still maintains a substantial amount of cash on hand, totaling $31.8 million.
Trump is also facing 34 counts in New York from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation.
The charges relate to alleged falsification of business records tied to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.
Please stay tuned for further updates as this remains a developing story.
