Today, in what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most important criminal cases in the history of our nation, former President Donald Trump was indicted on four counts related to his efforts to stay in power after losing the 2020 election:
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States,
- Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding,
- Corrupt obstruction of an official proceeding and a conspiracy to carry out such obstruction, and
- Conspiracy to violate civil rights.
Even if this news was not surprising, it is and should be shocking. The indictment lays out a series of sickening conspiracies, led by Trump, to overturn the outcome of a free and fair presidential election. This was a deliberate attack on our country, our people, and democracy itself.
Like all criminal defendants, Trump is entitled to defend himself in court in this case and in all others in which he is charged. As an organization with a 50-year history of promoting democracy, VPIRG believes that the American people deserve to have this case tried before the next election. Furthermore, the trial should be conducted in full view of the public. We need to see and hear all of the evidence presented. This is the surest way to guarantee that American voters have the best possible information before casting a ballot in the 2024 presidential election.