Trump pleads not guilty to federal conspiracy charges in 2020 election case. Follow live updates

Stay tuned for live updates as former President Donald Trump faces federal charges in court on Thursday, accused by the Justice Department of attempting to reverse the results of the 2020 presidential election. This is the third criminal case against the ex-president, who is aiming for a White House return.

IMPORTANT POINTS

— We offer a comprehensive summary of the extensive election indictment.

— Trump’s attorney suggests a First Amendment defense in the January 6 case.

— The GOP keeps mum on the latest charges against Trump.

— The judge overseeing Trump’s case has a reputation for severe penalties against Capitol rioters.

— Current status of various legal cases involving Trump.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

Could Trump end up in jail? The 2024 election could be a referendum on that.
Trump denies federal charges alleging an attempt to undo the 2020 election.
The GOP refrains from criticizing Trump over January 6. Their silence aids his White House bid.

NOT GUILTY PLEA

On Thursday, Trump denied federal conspiracy charges that accuse him of scheming to disregard the electorate’s will and overturn his 2020 election defeat. After answering initial questions from the judge, Trump was briefed on the charges and potential punishments against him. The most severe charges could lead to a 20-year prison sentence.

Trump appeared in front of a Washington federal courthouse’s magistrate judge two days after special counsel Jack Smith indicted him on four felony charges. This marks the first attempt to criminally implicate Trump for his efforts to block the power transition on January 6, 2021.

Facing charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct Congress’s certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s win, Trump, the leading 2024 Republican presidential primary contender, has pled not guilty to dozens of federal felony charges two months prior, alleging he hoarded classified documents and obstructed government efforts to reclaim them.

Trump maintains his innocence, and his lawyers argue the latest case as an assault on his free speech rights.

TRUMP IN COURT

Trump is in the courtroom to face a federal judge on charges alleging a plot to reverse his 2020 election loss. Attired in a suit and red tie, Trump conversed with his attorneys while waiting for the court proceedings to start. He also made notes on a piece of paper and handed it to his lawyer.

Jack Smith, the special counsel, is seated in the front row of the courtroom.

CAPITOL DEFENDERS AT TRUMP HEARING

Three police officers, who defended the U.S. Capitol from violent protesters on January 6, 2021, are present at Donald Trump’s Thursday hearing. Daniel Hodges and Aquilino Gonnell suffered injuries, and Harry Dunn was pursued by violent protesters. Hodges served as a District of Columbia police officer, while Dunn and Gonnell were U.S. Capitol police officers, responsible for the Capitol’s and lawmakers’ safety.

“All I have wanted from day one is accountability,” Dunn mentioned in a statement released by his attorney upon entering the federal court in Washington, D.C.

ARRIVAL AT FEDERAL COURTHOUSE

Trump has arrived at the Washington federal courthouse to surrender on charges alleging a plot to overturn his 2020 election loss. His arrival at the courthouse garnered intense media coverage, with spectators lining the streets.

The early 2024 GOP presidential front-runner will face a judge on charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States. This is the third criminal case against Trump this year, marking the first attempt to criminally hold him accountable for his actions leading up to the Capitol attack.

Trump has refuted all charges, accusing special counsel Jack Smith of attempting to hamper his 2024 White House return.

TOUCHED DOWN IN WASHINGTON AREA

Before heading to the courthouse to face a judge on federal charges alleging a plot to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, Trump’s plane landed in the Washington area. Trump denies all charges, reiterating his unfounded claim of a “crooked” 2020 election and denouncing the case as politically motivated.

EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON

Ahead of his court appearance on charges related to the investigation into the alleged overturning of the 2020 election, Trump’s plane has departed for Washington. Trump, donning a suit and red tie, boarded a private plane from his club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Washington’s federal courthouse is ramping up security in anticipation of Trump’s appearance. The courthouse is within a mile of the U.S. Capitol, where his supporters attacked on January 6, 2021.

INCREASED COURTHOUSE SECURITY

Security at the federal courthouse in Washington has been ramped up ahead of Trump’s surrender and court appearance on felony charges accusing him of trying to reverse his 2020 presidential election loss. A substantial police presence can be seen around the courthouse, and barriers are set up to restrict movement.

This is the third time this year that Trump, the front-runner for the early 2024 Republican presidential primary, will face criminal charges in court. This follows his not-guilty plea nearly two months ago to several federal felony counts accusing him of stockpiling classified documents and hindering government efforts to retrieve them.

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More about Donald Trump federal charges

• Trump pleads not guilty to federal conspiracy charges
• Live updates on Trump’s court appearance
• Breakdown of the indictment against Trump
• About special counsel Jack Smith
• Overview of the January 6 Capitol riot