Former President Donald Trump has been indicted once again for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The new indictment charges him with four counts including conspiracy and obstruction related to his actions following the election. The indictment was updated following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity that limited what actions could be considered official acts. While Trump has denounced the charges as an attack on democracy, the evidence presented in the new indictment has been streamlined to adhere to the Supreme Court ruling. Trump’s state of mind regarding the false claims of election fraud will likely be a key issue at trial, although his defense team believes the indictment has fatal flaws and will seek to have it dismissed. Trump is also using the immunity ruling to fight a conviction on other charges in New York. The new indictment could be seen as an attempt to avoid extensive fights over evidence that may not be admissible in court. The case is not expected to go to trial before the next election, and Trump has indicated that he would consider pardoning those involved in the Capitol riot if he wins. The defense and prosecution must first settle pending immunity questions before proceeding with the case.
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