Current:Home > FinanceTrump's arraignment on federal charges: Here's what to expect -Wealth Axis Pro
Trump's arraignment on federal charges: Here's what to expect
View
Date:2025-04-24 16:34:55
Former President Donald Trump is expected to be arraigned at the Elijah Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C., on Thursday afternoon on four felony charges related to his alleged efforts to remain in power following his loss in the 2020 election.
Here's what you need to know ahead of his court hearing in this case, which is unlike any other in U.S. history.
What is Trump charged with?
The 45-page indictment unsealed Tuesday accuses Trump of:
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States;
- Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding;
- Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding;
- Conspiracy against rights.
"Conspiracy against rights" refers to an effort to "injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate" people from their constitutional or federal rights, in this case their right to have a fairly counted vote.
What are the allegations?
The indictment, brought by special counsel Jack Smith, alleges a scheme orchestrated by Trump and six unnamed, unindicted co-conspirators designed to overturn the election results, despite losing to then President-elect Joe Biden and knowing that there was no credible evidence of widespread fraud. It also accuses Trump of seeking to "exploit" the chaos of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, in a bid to stop the certification of electoral votes.
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is an initial hearing in which a defendant enters a plea in a criminal case. The Justice Department describes this hearing as when "the defendant learns more about their rights and the charges." The arraignment is also when the judge decides if the defendant will be jailed or released on bond prior to trial.
Wasn't Trump already arraigned in June? Or was that April?
Both. This is the third indictment of Trump this year. On April 4, Trump entered a not guilty plea to 34 New York State felony falsification of business records charges. It was the first time in American history a former president had been charged with a crime.
On June 13, Trump entered a not guilty plea in Miami to 37 federal felony charges related to his alleged "willful retention" of national security information after leaving the White House. Three more charges in that case, which was brought by Smith's office, were added on July 27.
Who is the judge?
Trump has been summoned to appear at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C.
The case has been randomly assigned to U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Chutkan was appointed to the bench in 2014 by then President Obama, and has presided over the trials of numerous defendants in Jan. 6-related cases.
Will Trump enter a not guilty plea?
That's the expectation. Trump has maintained his innocence and accused the Justice Department of persecuting him out of political animosity. On Wednesday morning, his attorney John Lauro said in an interview on "CBS Mornings" that he will argue Trump has a "smoking gun of innocence." Lauro said Trump was following the advice of an attorney, John Eastman, whom Lauro described as a "constitutional scholar."
An attorney for Eastman said in a statement to CBS News Tuesday that he believes the "indictment relies on a misleading presentation of the record to contrive criminal charges against Presidential candidate Trump and to cast ominous aspersions on his close advisors."
Will Trump be there in-person?
Trump's previous two arraignments were in-person, but he has the option of appearing for Thursday's arraignment via video feed. Lauro said during his CBS News interview Wednesday that the decision had not yet been made.
"It really depends on the security arrangements, so that's not in our control, but what the president wants to do is absolutely defend himself on these baseless charges," Lauro said.
Has Trump ever had a virtual court appearance?
The judge in Trump's New York case allowed him to appear by video for a May 23 hearing. In New York, such a setup is extraordinarily rare, and it's typically used for those who are hospitalized. In D.C. federal court, virtual appearances are more common and have been used for many of the defendants charged in other cases related to the Jan. 6 riot.
- In:
- Donald Trump
Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. Contact Graham at KatesG@cbsnews.com or grahamkates@protonmail.com
veryGood! (478)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- CEO pay is rising, widening the gap between top executives and workers. What to know, by the numbers
- Tuesday’s primary in Montana will lock in GOP challenger to 3-term US Sen. Jon Tester
- Only a third of the money from $2.7M fraud scandal has been returned to Madison County
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Cher is 'proud' of boyfriend Alexander 'A.E.' Edwards after reported fight with Travis Scott
- Larry Allen, former Dallas Cowboys great and Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 52
- NYSE glitch sends Berkshire Hathaway shares down nearly 100%
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Wisconsin school bus crash sends 2 children to hospital
Ranking
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- The US is hosting Cricket World Cup. Learn about the game
- Florida ends Oklahoma's 20-game postseason win streak with home-run barrage at WCWS
- New Jersey plans to drop the bald eagle from its endangered species list
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- U.K. goldfish goes viral after mysteriously found on doctor's lawn seconds from death
- California firefighters make significant progress against wildfire east of San Francisco Bay
- Deontay Wilder's dad has advice for son after loss to Zihei Zhang: Fire your trainer
Recommendation
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
Cyndi Lauper announces farewell tour, documentary: 'Right now this is the best I can be'
California firefighters make significant progress against wildfire east of San Francisco Bay
Scottie Scheffler says he’s still trying to move past his arrest even after charges were dropped
A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
Arizona police officer dies in shooting at party: 2 arrested, Gila River tribe bans dances
Trial set to begin for man charged in 2017 Charlottesville torch rally at the University of Virginia
The Daily Money: Build-to-rent communities growing