Donald Trump’s first two criminal indictments could land him in prison. His third could change the presidency itself.
In accusing Trump of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, Special Counsel Jack Smith is alleging the former president acted criminally while still in office — a novel argument distinct from the other indictments facing Trump that could set historic legal precedent on presidential power.
Trump was indicted on Tuesday on accusations of a broad conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, facing charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.