Former President Donald Trump has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges outlined in special counsel Jack Smith’s superseding indictment. This indictment, presented in federal court, pertains to Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
In a court filing submitted on Tuesday, Trump requested to be excused from attending the upcoming court hearing in person. “I, President Donald J. Trump, the above-named defendant … do hereby waive my right to be present at Arraignment and I authorize my attorneys to enter a plea of not guilty on my behalf to each and every count of the superseding indictment,” Trump stated in the filing, which bore his bold, black signature. He confirmed that he had received and reviewed the indictment with his legal team.
The first court hearing before Judge Tanya Chutkan is scheduled for Thursday. This hearing marks the resumption of proceedings following a pause to allow the US Supreme Court to address questions of presidential immunity related to Trump’s case. Judge Chutkan has ruled that Trump does not need to appear in person for this hearing, during which his formal arraignment will take place. Trump’s attorneys are expected to attend.
The next steps for the case include Judge Chutkan deciding how to proceed, which involves setting a schedule and determining whether prosecutors can bring Trump to trial and call witnesses, including former Vice President Mike Pence.
The new indictment, approved by a grand jury last week, required Trump to enter a new plea. Although some allegations were reduced following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Trump still faces the same four criminal charges as previously.
