Washington – Former president Donald Trump is about to be impeached Thursday afternoon in federal court in Washington, D.C., on charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, his first appearance in the latest case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Trump’s arraignment begins at 4 p.m. ET. While cameras are not allowed in the courtroom, CBS News will provide live coverage from reporters on the scene and analysis of all developments as events unfold.
A federal grand jury hears evidence in Smith’s investigation approved a landmark indictment on Tuesday, Trump charged with four felonies: conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempted obstruction of an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.
The 45-page indictment accuses Trump and six unnamed co-conspirators of pursuing various plans to block the transfer of power to Joe Biden after Trump lost the 2020 election, culminating in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. The indictment alleges that Trump knew his claims of widespread voter fraud were false, yet “repeated and widely disseminated them — to make his knowingly false claims appear legitimate, create an intense national atmosphere of distrust and anger, and increase public confidence.” in the administration of the election.”
Trump has denounced Smith’s investigation as politically motivated and denies any wrongdoing. He is expected to plead not guilty in US District Court in Washington.
