Former President Donald Trump stated on social media that he expects to be arrested stemming from the federal investigation into the January 6th Capitol riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Trump claimed he was informed by special counsel Jack Smith on Sunday night that he is a target in their probe. Trump said being called before a grand jury typically results in an indictment and arrest.
This potential indictment would be the third Trump faces for alleged criminal offenses. In June, Smith’s team charged Trump with 37 counts related to mishandling classified records. Trump is also facing charges in New York for allegedly falsifying business records regarding 2016 hush money payments.
Trump’s trial for the hush money payments is set for March 2023, while a trial date for the classified documents case is still being determined.
The special counsel’s office has not yet commented publicly on Trump’s claims of being told he is a target who will likely face arrest and indictment. Trump continues to face mounting legal troubles on multiple fronts.
In a post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump claimed he received a letter from special counsel Jack Smith stating he is a target of the criminal investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump said being named a target typically leads to an indictment and arrest within 4 days, the deadline he was given to appear before the grand jury.
Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Trump’s handling of classified White House documents and the events surrounding January 6th. It’s unknown if others have also been named targets.
Last December, the House January 6 committee recommended four criminal charges against Trump related to inciting insurrection, obstruction, and conspiracy. However, prosecutors are not required to follow the committee’s suggestions.
Smith’s investigation has involved interviewing many top Trump officials about fake electors schemes and other efforts to challenge the election. Questions have focused on coordinating slates of unofficial electors to falsely claim Trump won key states he lost.
State prosecutors in Georgia are also investigating Trump for pressuring officials there to “find” votes and overturn Biden’s certified victory. A decision on indicting Trump in Georgia is expected in August.
Trump now claims he faces imminent federal indictment and arrest per the letter from Smith’s office, though the special counsel has not confirmed this. Trump continues to face serious legal jeopardy on multiple fronts.
Former President Donald Trump is currently the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, holding double-digit leads in polls over his closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
When asked about potential charges against Trump, DeSantis said he could have “come out more forcefully” to stop the Capitol riot, but hopes Trump does not get indicted, saying “I don’t think it’ll be good for the country.” However, DeSantis said he must remain focused on the future.
Despite two recent indictments, Trump’s lead over DeSantis has actually grown over the past four months. Trump has frequently portrayed the investigations as his opponents trying to prevent his return to office.
Trump’s team says the indictments led to a surge in campaign fundraising, with Trump raising over $17 million from April to June. Millions more went to an account that could help pay his legal bills.
Even amid mounting legal issues, Trump remains the clear frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination according to polls. He continues to paint indictments as political attacks while benefiting financially.
