Former U.S. President Donald Trump was hit with a sweeping fourth set of criminal charges on Monday when a Georgia grand jury issued an indictment accusing him of efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
The charges, brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, add to the legal woes facing Trump, the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election.
The sprawling 98-page indictment listed 19 defendants and 41 criminal counts in all. All of the defendants were charged with racketeering, which is used to target members of organized crime groups and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Among the other defendants were Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman.
"Trump and the other defendants charged in this indictment refused to accept that Trump lost, and they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump," the indictment said.
Lawyers for those named either declined to comment or did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case stems from a Jan 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state. Raffensperger declined to do so.
Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol four days later in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent lawmakers from certifying Biden's victory.
The indictment cites a number of crimes that Trump or his associates allegedly committed, including falsely testifying to lawmakers that election fraud had occurred and urging state officials to violate their oaths of office by altering the election results.
Prosecutors also cited the breach of a voting system in a rural Georgia county and the harassment of an election worker who became the focus of conspiracy theories.
It also mentions an alleged scheme to subvert the U.S. electoral process by submitting false slates of electors, people who make up the Electoral College that elects the president and vice president.
The indictment reaches across state lines, saying that Trump advisers, including Giuliani and Meadows, advanced the conspiracy by calling officials in Arizona, Pennsylvania and elsewhere seeking to change the outcome in those states.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing, and accuses Willis, an elected Democrat, of being politically motivated.
Trump has already pleaded not guilty in three criminal cases.
He faces a New York state trial beginning on March 25, 2024, involving a hush money payment to a porn star, and a Florida trial beginning on May 20 in a federal classified documents case. In both cases Trump pleaded not guilty.
A third indictment, in Washington federal court, accuses him of illegally seeking to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Trump denies wrongdoing in this case as well, and a trial date has yet to be set.
Georgia, once reliably Republican, has emerged as one of a handful of politically competitive states that can determine the outcome of presidential elections.
Trump persists in falsely claiming he won the November 2020 election although dozens of court cases and state probes have found no evidence to support his claim.
NOT HURTING HIS CAMPAIGN
Strategists said that while the indictments could bolster Republican support for Trump, they may hurt him in next year's general election, when he will have to win over more independent-minded voters.
His lead over Republican presidential rivals has widened since the New York charges were filed in April, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.
But in a July Reuters/Ipsos poll, 37% of independents said the criminal cases made them less likely to vote for him, compared to 8% who said they were more likely to do so.
Willis's investigation drew on testimony from Trump advisers including Giuliani, who urged state lawmakers in December 2020 not to certify the election, and Republican state officials like Raffensperger and Governor Brian Kemp, who refused to echo Trump's false election claims.
While many Republican officials have echoed Trump's false election claims, Kemp and Raffensperger have refused to do so.
Raffensperger has said there was no factual basis for Trump's objections, while Kemp certified the election results despite pressure from within his party.
Trump has been mired in legal trouble since leaving office.
Apart from the criminal cases, a New York jury in May found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming the writer E. Jean Carroll and awarded her $5 million in a civil case. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 15 on a second defamation lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages. Trump denies wrongdoing.
Trump is due to face trial in October in a civil case in New York that accuses him and his family business of fraud to obtain better terms from lenders and insurers.
Trump's company was fined $1.6 million after being convicted of tax fraud in a New York court in December.
© Thomson Reuters 2023.
69 Comments
PTownsend
Many of 45's cult members, a minority of US Americans will stand by their idol , the gross orange whale, and continue to push for a weakening of US systems so the richest among them will have no checks on their pursuits of greed. They will be followed by others in the cult ( like financial services sales people )expecting their cult leader to defund all in authority that could in any way slow their own quests for greed, while also expecting to pay no taxes and not having to work for the country in any way. Many among them continue to oppose US efforts and instead side with Russia and its allies; they want their conman cult leader to be more like Putin the kleoptocrat
NotThe One
LOL! Ten more indictments in Georgia where presidents and governors cannot pardon presidents!
It is such a beautiful day!
NotThe One
Trump:
"You know, everyone is saying this, and they’re smart people who are saying this, and what they’re saying is no President has ever been so good at getting indicted like me. No one ever. Just look at the polls and you’ll see I’m huge in terms of how good I do. I would give myself an A+, at least, maybe even more, for how good I get indicted. I mean, you look at President Lincoln, and some people will say he did some stuff, maybe even good stuff, but he never had the poll numbers like me. People are saying it was the best indictment ever."
cuddly
Great fodder to fuel Trump's campaign.
Russian collusion!
NotThe One
That myth has been debunked. DeSantis poll numbers tanking is the real reason that Trump has a larger lead.
No, Trump's poll numbers don't 'go way up' every time he gets indicted
https://news.yahoo.com/no-trumps-poll-numbers-dont-go-way-up-every-time-he-gets-indicted-145507082.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall
Jimizo
Need more modern-day Galileos.
NotThe One
Trump's campaign finances will be scrutinized, so no more embezzlement to pay his family and his legal fees. Let's see how his defense fund goes!
agondocz
A suggestion for Donald Trump's new campaign song: "I Fought the Law and the Law Won". Perhaps by The Bobby Fuller Four or by The Clash. Perhaps not.
wallace
The most impeached and indicted president in history. His PAC is out of cash.
lincolnman
My goodness, TEN indictments....that's Trump and nine of his cronies...
And we all know how this will go - we already have "MAGA-heroes" turning on one another in an attempt to be the first in line to get a "deal to squeal"...
Rudy Giuliani, who tied himself to Sidney Powell for the last two years, is now coming out today and saying her fraud claims are "crackpot ideas"....
https://people.com/rudy-giuliani-lawyer-places-2020-blame-sidney-powell-7643252
And this may be the most "slam-dunk" case of the four he is facing. I thought the "smoking guns" of his boasting on tape of his classified war-plan that he couldn't declassify or his lawyer's certified letter saying no more classified at MAL and then the FBI finds 184 more was bad...
But if they have texts and emails from the White House approving a plan to PLANT FAKE EVIDENCE OF FRAUD on Georgia voting machines, then it's game over...
The MAGA-rats will all be turning on one another to try to save themselves - to include the head rat...
Planting fake evidence is serious stuff - and to frame it as a conspiracy under the RICO Act will have all these "MAGA-heroes" begging Willis to give them a deal...lest they sit the rest of their lives out in a cell at Leavenworth...
HonestDictator
Yeah, Trump called the wrong Republican in GA state that day to try and rig the election in his favor.... A Republican that put the country and constitution above the individual. Thanks for recording that fool!
virusrex
Unfortunately for many of his followers this is something desirable, they do not follow him because of his positive qualities as a person.
TheDalaiLamasBifocals
America, can't you do better than Trump and Biden?
If you don't, China and India are going to turn you into a third world country. Jai Hind!
bass4funk
Why would we not???
No, that’s the swamp doing what it does…again.
In other words, the left has nothing again, RICO?? Yeah, the left are desperate and losing it.
Wrong, no one sided with Russia, that’s why we didn’t support this war under any circumstances.
No, we want our leader to put America first.
wallace
Trump has been a fraud since day 1, like his charity and then his university.
dagon
In the fevered imagination of DT, all black people and their allies are out to get him for his birtherism against Barack Obama which he used to leverage his base and rise to some political prominence.
winston
It's happening live right now
NotThe One
Not to mention, being a slumlord, discriminating against black tenant applications in New York, calling for the execution of the Central Park Five. That was before political office. During political office, the support of White Nationalist groups and use of the "White Power" in his public speeches.
lincolnman
August may be a rather prophetic month for Republican Presidents...
In Aug 1974, Nixon resigned his Presidency after he was caught on tape approving of and then trying to cover-up the break-in at Democratic HQs at Watergate....
In Aug 2023, we are learning through texts and e-mails that Trump approved of or directed the planting of fake evidence of fraud on Georgia voting machines and then cover it up...
In 1974, Republican Senators had the courage and devotion to the Constitution to tell Nixon he had to resign....
In 2023, do the current Republican Senators have this same courage and conviction to tell Trump he has to resign from running again?
I don't know....but I hope so...
sunfunbun
4 indictments.
NYC. Business fraud related to paying off a porn actress hush money.
Florida. Jack Smith prosecuting for mishandling confidential documents.
Washington. For Trump's leader role in the insurrection and feeding a frenzy to threaten congress, Pence and our democracy.
Atlanta. For attempting to overturn the election result.If nothing else, this:
This PAC has become the primary vehicle to pay legal bills for Trump and his associates, and FEC reports show it and five other Trump-related committees have spent more than $40 million in legal fees since the beginning of 2021, the Post reported. These hefty costs may explain why Trump was lashing out Saturday on his social media platform Truth Social for the “vast” legal fees he has spent — which he blames on the “Lunatic Left.”
A ton of proof under RICO in the most recent indictment in Atlanta and the kicker is, even if Trump is elected president, he cannot pardon himself as this one is not a federal case, it is a state one. This one could well be the tax evasion equivalent for Capone.
Trump is scrambling. He's running the wheel in the hamster cage. He's the mouse cornered by the big cat in Willis. Yes, she's after him for his racism and lack of human qualities as a crime boss, and she'll get him.
Superlib
I'm pretty excited about it. :)
plasticmonkey
Trump has repeatedly called Willis a racist. Would any of our MAGA friends care to explain why?
Kurumazaka2.1
tucker very openly sided with Russia. Pretty sure he counts as someone.
Blacklabel
so are any Trump voters changing their votes over this?
nope.
Trump train keeps on rolling down the tracks!
chugga chugga Choo choo!
Blacklabel
If there were any confidence in any of these charges there wouldn’t have to be like 85 of them.
by now just throwing everything to the wall praying that just one thing sticks to save Joe!
Kurumazaka2.1
FTF! Freedom though Fascism!
3 cheers for government Of, By, and For the One!
lincolnman
This case perfectly highlights the conundrum the Repubs are in - one clearly of their own making...
Basically 60% of Repubs, maybe 25-30% of the general electorate, are hard-core MAGA-faithful... They are only-Trump...and will rebel and refuse to vote in 2024 if Trump is not the nominee. That means if Repub leadership turns on Trump because of these indictments, then the MAGA-faithful will stay at home on voting day and Repubs up and down the ballot will get thrashed by a clear Dem majority...
What's the alternative? Throw in with Trump even though he will face conviction in at least three of his four indictments, to include this one announced today where there are texts/e-mails that show he tried to plant fake evidence of fraud on voting machines, which will clearly repel and disgust everyone other than the MAGA-faithful...
What will the Repub leadership do? Well, if their conduct after Jan 6th shows us anything, it's that there will be a loud outcry after the convictions are handed down, then a flip-flop as time goes on...
My guess is they'll ride the Trump MAGA-train as it takes the party down in flames...
Superlib
Nope. They will support the loser until he's dead or they're broke.
But Trump isn't as popular as he was before. Some part of the GOP will choose to simply sit out the election if Trump is the nominee.
And this isn't helping him with independents.
Bob Fosse
Is he gaining any new voters over this?
nope.
So it would play out like last time, loser.
wallace
Trump wasn't indicted by the left. He was indicted by the DOJ.
2020hindsights
Blacklabel
His RINO base, nope. They won't change.
But real Republicans and independents? Yeah, they aren't going to vote Trump now.
Bob Fosse
He’s indicted because he is accused of multiple crimes.
Deal with that however you wish, but know that your current approach is not a good look.
starpunk
JUSTICE! The evidence was recorded loud and clear, just like Nixon's coverup in 1974.
That's because tRump himself is a Russian, he's not an American. Everything he says and does, from the closed Helsinki summit to his gushing about Putin being a 'genius' before the Ukraine war began shows his treasonous submission further and further, deeper and deeper.
31 indictments showing that he paid hush money to a whore not to reveal his infidelity and the fact that he loves getting spanked.
CLASH!
This is much more serious than anything Nixon ever did. He resigned when he knew the game was up for him. TrashTrump is too stupid and vain. Nixon was a crook but not a traitor. Big difference here.
And now the MAGAt ciultists are turning on each other in order to save their own butts.
'No honor amongst thieves' - JESUS CHRIST
Jimizo
What makes you think there will be no ‘irregularities’? You are not being clear here.
Trump has claimed ‘irregularities’ in four separate elections ( if I’ve missed any, I apologize). As far as I know, you are on board with these claims.
I still don’t see how you can be so confident.
2020hindsights
I'm surprised Mark Meadows is there because I was sure that he probably flipped.
Jimizo
You want to bet on US elections when the Democrats are cunningly adept at stealing them? Sounds very dicey to me. One of the fighters has horseshoes in the gloves.
People improve with practice.
Can you imagine how good the Democrats are at this now?
Frightening.
wallace
Trump was charged along with 18 others - Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, Ken Cheseboro, Jeffrey Clark, Jenna Ellis, Ray Smith III, Robert Cheeley, Michael Roman, David Shafer, Shawn Still, Stephen Lee, Harrison Floyd, Trevian Kutti, Sidney Powell, Cathleen Latham, Scott Hall, and Misty Hampton.
There are also 30 unindicted co-conspirators.
bass4funk
Absolutely
How?
bass4funk
4 indictments
going after Kanye’s entourage
starving Trump out of defending himself
The DOJ run amok
If these people had a smoking gun they would have charged this guy a long, long time ago, but as usual, nothing, 4 indictments, can’t wait for him to use his presidential constitutional authority.
ClippetyClop
He's a flight risk and should be denied bail. He could be in Moscow by tomorrow with reams of state secrets for Putin.
The Party of Law and Order don't like people getting bail, so this should have bipartsian support.
winston
The anticipation is captivating
On the edge of our seats because of trump
What has become of us ?
Veira
Tear down the wall
winston
Corruption doesn't require an explanation or conspiracy theory as it quite simply a load of crap
The foundation of America.
They just keep adding more crap
Trump is king of crap castle mountain
Moderator
Readers, please do not become obsessed with this topic. It is unhealthy. If you have already posted here, then please take a break and post on other stories.
Kurumazaka2.1
FtF!
we all know the framers spent those days and weeks cooped up in Philly writing a Founding Document that placed all federal governing authority in the hands of One Man.
you know the platform he’s now running on. You can’t claim my flag while supporting a will be Emperor. Get your own.
Superlib
Well the acts in question are from a few years ago, not 2016. There was an investigation started after, which concluded in these indictments.
Nothing out of the ordinary at all.
Bob Fosse
The DOJ that just named special counsel against Hunter Biden?
Do they have a smoking gun or is it a charade witch hunt?
wallace
MAGA supporters are in a big mess today.
wtfjapan
by now just throwing everything to the wall praying that just one thing sticks to save Joe!
youre making it sound like Hunter will save Trump, he wont. LOL
next up more Trump indictments, Jarred 2 billion deal with the Saudis, but but Hunter LOL
bass4funk
How so?
u_s__reamer
All the state and federal charges Trump has accrued can all be put down to the hubris of an unstable, incompetent moron who brought everything down on his own head by his lifelong disdain for the law. I respect the right of people to cast a tribal party vote, but why couldn't the MAGA millions see that their idol had clay feet and that his illiteracy and laziness made him ufit for a job he was bigly unqualified for?
dagon
With all these indictments and even convictions coming down the pike, having Trump proceeding apace to be the GOP nominee is a clear and present danger.
The machinery is in place, with massive conservative clique funding and political infrastructure, for him and his corporate cronies to steal this election.
https://prospect.org/politics/2023-07-18-donald-trump-plotting-make-himself-dictator/
wtfjapan
nothing, 4 indictments, can’t wait for him to use his presidential constitutional authority.
wrong, these cases haven't gone to trial yet, those that have, Trump org 17 guilty verdicts of tax fraud, Trump guilty of sexual assault and defamation. Trumps election interference trial in NY will likely be in Jan 2024, because Trump just cant keep his mouth shut. LOL.
Presidential authority doesn't do squat with state crimes and convictions. buckleup, more indictments incoming
Rodney
Both are bad. Full stop.
wallace
Trump can't pardon himself in Georgia. Part of its constitution. Pardons come from the parole board.
bass4funk
Question is, it might be harder to find 12 jurors to convict especially if you prosecution is trying to show intent on the Presidents mind and what his state of mind was, it’s definitely not a clear cut case.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/why-wouldnt-people-see-politics-in-trump-indictments
Good read, makes sense, every liberal should read this, food for future thought. Doesn’t look very good for the left.
HonestDictator
I thought I should share this since it applies to what is going on with DT and his cronies. "To anger an HONEST person, lie to them. To anger a corrupt or narcissistic person, tell them the TRUTH."
Trump world is angry because the TRUTH hurts.
Bob Fosse
A conservative opinion piece, trying to spin a loss into a future win. I can see why you’d be attracted to it.
wallace
We all know Trump is guilty. It's all in the recorded phone call with him asking for another 11,000 votes like it was ordering a Uber.
ClippetyClop
The GOP need to dump this criminal loser quicksharp.
We told you what he was like in 2016 when he was insulting wives & disabled people and bragging about sexually assaulting women.
But you were more concerned with sticking it to the lefties.
So now him and a bunch of your people are going on trial as corrupt politicians and American traitors.
You deserve them.
lincolnman
So far I count 9 of the 19 individuals indicted were lawyers...quickly putting to truth the old saying that MAGA stands for "Making Attorneys Get Attorneys"....
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/a-look-at-the-19-people-charged-in-georgia-indictment-connected-to-trump-election-scheme/ar-AA1fhC9z?cvid=94dba3f456804eaaa258a4603f9f68b9&ei=5
The whole stinking situation at the Coffee County elections office will be key - MAGA-supporting election officials giving access to the ballot area and access to the actual voting machines to pro-MAGA operatives who were to place fake evidence of fraud on the machines will shock most Americans. And they have texts and e-mails tying Trump and the White House to this crime.
If Bill Barr thought Trump was "toast" because of his classified stash and steal, he must think he's burning embers now...
Haaa Nemui
Well it’s definitely not clear what his state of mind was.
bass4funk
If he were we would.
And half of the country was happy, in particular, NO NEW WARS it was great! Not to mention border excursions down.
Yes and more so now that will happen when the right are back in power
Carful what you wish for now.
Cards fan
lol You don't have a constitutional right to commit fraud.
Superlib
Future-stating again.
Express sister
Then why did more than half the country vote him out of office?
wallace
Trump allies who ‘orchestrated’ plan to tamper with voting machines face charges in Michigan.
wallace
The unfinished wall which the Pentagon is selling off. And the release of 4,000 Taliban terrorists.
Bob Fosse
Not always. That’s just a method of coping.
If the pendulum always swings back, why bother? Makes everything you are standing behind pretty pointless if it’s all going to be taken away again.
I didn’t know you were a nihilist.
Cards fan
lol No. Donald got indicted, not the "dems."
The fact that a lot of stupid Trump supporters think something is true, doesn't make it true.