Special counsel Jack Smith has made a significant development in the 2020 election subversion case against former President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, a retooled indictment was filed in hopes of aligning with the US Supreme Court's immunity ruling, potentially allowing the case to progress.
The revised indictment is now 36 pages, down from the original 45, with all four counts against Trump remaining intact. However, the underlying allegations have been reshaped to comply with the conservative Supreme Court justices' directives.
Trump, who had previously pleaded not guilty, faces charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results following his defeat to Joe Biden, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The timing of the new indictment, just weeks before the commencement of the 2024 presidential election voting, suggests that a trial is not imminent.
Next steps involve Trump entering a new plea in response to the superseding indictment. Prosecutors have indicated their willingness to waive the requirement for the former president to appear in court.
Trump is expected to persist in challenging various aspects of the case, particularly given the Supreme Court's unresolved issues. He retains the option to litigate and potentially appeal the immunity matter before the trial proceeds.
