Special counsel Jack Smith has filed a new indictment against former President Donald Trump, refining accusations related to his actions following the 2020 presidential election. The new 36-page document narrows the allegations after a Supreme Court ruling on presidential power earlier this year, which provided Trump with immunity for certain actions taken during his presidency.
While the original charges — including conspiracy to defraud the United States — remain, the revised indictment omits some evidence and removes an unnamed individual previously listed as a co-conspirator. This individual, believed to be Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official, was linked to attempts to influence state legislatures with false claims of election fraud.
The Supreme Court’s decision categorized presidential conduct into three types, granting immunity for official acts within a president’s core constitutional powers. Consequently, the high court ruled that some of the conduct described in the original indictment was immune from prosecution. However, actions related to Trump’s campaign, such as his interactions with then-Vice President Mike Pence, remain subject to legal scrutiny.
In response, Trump accused Smith of attempting to interfere with the upcoming election, calling the charges politically motivated. Trump’s legal team plans to request more time for the case, potentially delaying the trial’s start.
Smith’s initial indictment, filed over a year ago, accused Trump of conspiring to subvert the peaceful transfer of power, leading to the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies all wrongdoing.
This new indictment reflects the special counsel’s efforts to align the charges with the Supreme Court’s ruling, focusing on conduct that falls outside the scope of presidential immunity. The case continues to evolve, with a hearing scheduled for September 5.
