Trump Pleads Not Guilty To All Charges In Jan. 6 Case, Calls It A 'Very Sad Day For America'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The arraignment took place Thrursday at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C.

Conditions for Trump’s Release

Both the prosecution and defense teams have agreed on the conditions for Trump’s release pending trial. The former president is required to comply with federal law, make all necessary court appearances and sign an appearance bond. He is also prohibited from discussing the case with anyone known to be a witness, except through his attorneys, Todd Blanche and John Lauro, CNN reports.

During the proceedings, the presiding judge reminded Trump that it is a crime to intimidate a juror, bribe anyone or obstruct the administration of justice. When asked if he understood these conditions, Trump said he did.

Trump’s Plea

Standing at the end of the defense table, with his attorney John Lauro at the podium, Trump entered a plea of “not guilty” to all charges.

The charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. The maximum sentences for these charges range from four to 20 years in prison each.

• The first of those conspiracies violated 18 U.S.C. § 371, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.

• The second conspiracy violated 18 U.S.C. § 1512(k), Conspiracy to Obstruct an Official Proceeding.

• The third conspiracy allegedly violated 18 U.S.C. § 241, Conspiracy Against Rights.

The four-count indictment also charges Trump with violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2), 2, Obstruction of an Attempt to Obstruct an Official Proceeding.

Trump Comments After Plea

After his courtroom appearance, Trump spoke at Reagan National Airport, expressing his dismay and calling the situation a "very sad day for America."

He framed the legal actions against him as a political attack, saying, "This is the persecution of the person that's leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot, so if you can't beat him, you persecute him or you prosecute him. We can't let this happen in America."

The former president, who has consistently denied the allegations, took to the social media platform Truth Social to express his views. He accused President Joe Biden and his family of stealing “Millions and Millions of Dollars,” and claimed he was being arrested for protesting a “CROOKED ELECTION.”

With the plea entered, the case now moves to the trial phase. The next hearing in the Trump election interference case is scheduled for Aug. 28.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Trump’s political future, including his run for the 2024 GOP nomination.

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo: Shutterstock.