Trump Waives Arraignment, Pleads Not Guilty in Election Interference Case

Former President Donald Trump has decided to waive his right to attend the arraignment for his updated federal election interference case related to the events of January 6. Instead, he will enter a plea of not guilty through his legal team, as indicated in a recent court filing.

In the filing, Trump stated, “I, President Donald J. Trump, the above-named defendant … do hereby waive my right to be present at arraignment and I authorize my attorneys to enter a plea of not guilty on my behalf to each and every count of the superseding indictment.” He also mentioned that he has received and reviewed the superseding indictment with his legal counsel.

Trump is not obligated to make an in-person appearance during the arraignment, and as of now, a formal date for this new arraignment remains unspecified. However, a court conference involving both parties is scheduled for Thursday regarding the case.

This latest legal move comes after Trump previously pled not guilty to federal charges asserting that he attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which ultimately resulted in the riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. His legal team insists that Trump was merely exploring legitimate inquiries into alleged election fraud.

Throughout his current campaign, the former president has consistently portrayed himself as a victim of a government conspiracy, claiming that the legal system has been manipulated against him.

In a significant Supreme Court ruling in July, the justices declared that Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while he was in office.

Last week, special counsel Jack Smith initiated a revised federal indictment against Trump, eliminating previous allegations that were found to be improperly filed. The new 36-page document recharacterizes Trump as a “candidate” rather than a president in certain contexts.

This updated indictment also removes charges alleging that Trump attempted to pressure the Justice Department into investigating claims of election fraud or urged lawmakers in various states to appoint fraudulent electors. Such activities qualify for immunity as they are classified as official functions of the presidency.

Trump has publicly denied any wrongdoing and referred to the revised indictment as a “resurrected ‘dead’ witch hunt,” labeling it “an act of desperation.” The legal developments are likely to have ramifications leading into the upcoming political season.

It is anticipated that the new case will not proceed to trial until after the elections in November.