The Blubber

Federal prosecutors have brought charges against Donald Trump, accusing him of conspiring to secure a second term after his defeat in the 2020 election. The charges detail a prolonged campaign of deception and misconduct, culminating in his inaction while a violent mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol.

Special counsel Jack Smith unveiled a 45-page indictment on Tuesday, which includes four felony counts against Trump. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The indictment further alleges that Trump sought to exploit the violent events of January 6, 2021, when Congress was attacked, in order to persist in his quest for power.

Speaking to reporters after the indictment was issued, Smith emphasized the severity of the assault on the nation's capital, stating that it was an unprecedented attack on American democracy propagated by Trump. He obstructed a fundamental function of the U.S. government: the process of collecting, counting, and certifying the results of the presidential election.

The indictment identifies six individuals as co-conspirators in Trump's attempt to overturn the election, but as of Tuesday, none of these individuals have been charged. Although their names were not disclosed, the descriptions match those of a group of Trump's lawyers who embraced increasingly radical strategies as his efforts to retain power faltered. The individuals include Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, and Kenneth Chesebro.