LOADINGERROR LOADING
Former President Donald Trump was indicted Monday evening over his alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election results in Georgia.
Trump and 18 other defendants, including his former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, face multiple felony charges, including racketeering.
Advertisement
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating the former president since February 2021, weeks after Trump called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and asked him to “find” the number of votes he’d need to reverse Joe Biden’s victory in the state.
Trump has defended his actions, describing his call to Raffensperger as “perfect.”
Read live updates on the indictment below:
That's A Wrap For Now!
We're closing down our live coverage of Trump's Georgia indictment.
Check out the latest updates if you want to quickly get up to speed today.
And please do keep coming back to HuffPost for in-depth coverage of all four of Trump's indictments.
Bye for now!
Check out the latest updates if you want to quickly get up to speed today.
And please do keep coming back to HuffPost for in-depth coverage of all four of Trump's indictments.
Bye for now!
Marjorie Taylor Greene Gripes About Prosecutor
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Tuesday said DA Fani Willis should be “going after rapists.”
Many social media observers were quick to make a point about that.
Read more here.
Many social media observers were quick to make a point about that.
Read more here.
Giuliani Struggling With Massive Legal Bills
Rudy Giuliani was facing paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars over legal fees and lawsuits even before the Georgia indictment, CNN reported.
Trump's former personal attorney said in court Monday that he was effectively out of cash. He's listed for sale a three-bedroom Manhattan apartment he owns for $6.5 million.
Giuliani faces decisions in two 2020 election defamation lawsuits against him potentially this week.
Read more here.
Trump's former personal attorney said in court Monday that he was effectively out of cash. He's listed for sale a three-bedroom Manhattan apartment he owns for $6.5 million.
Giuliani faces decisions in two 2020 election defamation lawsuits against him potentially this week.
Read more here.
Georgia Case Will Present Problems From The Start
The indictment is filed and the defendants will be arraigned in the coming days, but that’s only the beginning of the logistical challenge of trying 19 people at the same time.
Finding jurors that are able to serve in the case without strong opinions of Trump or the others will be complicated. It will be difficult to keep conflicting stories and names straight over the length of the trial. Even finding a courtroom big enough to fit everyone could be tough.
Read more about those concerns here.
Finding jurors that are able to serve in the case without strong opinions of Trump or the others will be complicated. It will be difficult to keep conflicting stories and names straight over the length of the trial. Even finding a courtroom big enough to fit everyone could be tough.
Read more about those concerns here.
Special Counsel Obtained Trump’s Twitter DMs
New court papers unsealed Tuesday show special counsel Jack Smith’s office obtained many of Trump’s direct messages sent on his Twitter account.
It’s unclear what information the direct messages may contain or who they were exchanged with, but the revelation adds new details to court documents from last week that showed the Justice Department had obtained a search warrant for the former president’s account.
The court papers say that federal prosecutors sought “all content, records and other information” related to Trump’s account covering the period from October 2020 to January 2021 — when his @realDonaldTrump handle was permanently suspended — including drafts and any messages that were liked or retweeted. The dates would encompass the run-up to the 2020 election through the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
It’s unclear what information the direct messages may contain or who they were exchanged with, but the revelation adds new details to court documents from last week that showed the Justice Department had obtained a search warrant for the former president’s account.
The court papers say that federal prosecutors sought “all content, records and other information” related to Trump’s account covering the period from October 2020 to January 2021 — when his @realDonaldTrump handle was permanently suspended — including drafts and any messages that were liked or retweeted. The dates would encompass the run-up to the 2020 election through the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Computer Forensics Firm: We Weren’t Part Of Trump ‘Team’
A computer forensics company named in the recent indictment is aggressively distancing itself from Trump and his attorneys.
SullivanStrickler was treated almost like a teammate by the former president’s advisers and allies. The firm was hired to forensically copy election machine data, which was then used by Trump surrogates to create false “evidence” that the election was stolen.
The company is not named as a defendant in the filings but has said for months that it was simply a third-party contractor working for Trump's lawyers, adding that its work was “politically agnostic.”
HuffPost’s Matt Shuham has more.
SullivanStrickler was treated almost like a teammate by the former president’s advisers and allies. The firm was hired to forensically copy election machine data, which was then used by Trump surrogates to create false “evidence” that the election was stolen.
The company is not named as a defendant in the filings but has said for months that it was simply a third-party contractor working for Trump's lawyers, adding that its work was “politically agnostic.”
HuffPost’s Matt Shuham has more.
Trump’s Rivals Still Largely Quiet On His Many Indictments
Trump remains the front-runner in the GOP presidential nominating contest, but many of his rivals have so far stayed mum about the growing number of criminal charges leveled against the former president.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the latest indictment was an example of the “criminalization of politics.” Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said the legal system had been “weaponized against political opponents.”
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has been more overt, saying the country has “never" had "a candidate for president of the United States conduct himself in this way, to disrespect the election process in this way, to refuse to accept the verdict of the voters.”
HuffPost’s S.V. Dáte has more.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the latest indictment was an example of the “criminalization of politics.” Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said the legal system had been “weaponized against political opponents.”
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has been more overt, saying the country has “never" had "a candidate for president of the United States conduct himself in this way, to disrespect the election process in this way, to refuse to accept the verdict of the voters.”
HuffPost’s S.V. Dáte has more.
Key Moment
CHENEY ORR via Reuters
The Latest Things To Know About The Georgia Indictment
1. Donald Trump was indicted for a fourth time on Monday alongside 18 other defendants. All stand accused of engaging in a far-reaching criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.
2. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis leveled racketeering charges against a host of attorneys and Trump aides, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and lawyers Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and John Eastman, who was an architect of the plan to challenge the certification of electoral votes.
3. Arrest warrants have been issued, and all defendants have been given until noon on Aug. 25 to surrender. They are expected to be booked in Atlanta’s Rice Street Jail.
4. Unlike Trump’s other indictments, his arraignment and trial are set to be televised under Georgia provisions that prioritize transparency in the legal system.
5. The indictment could very well be the hardest for Trump to escape. Even if he wins the presidency next year, he is not able to pardon himself for state crimes. And Georgia is unique among many states in that the governor does not have the direct power to pardon or commute sentences.
6. Willis’ hope for a speedy trial in Georgia is already upsetting the defendants. Meadows’ attorneys are trying to move the trial to federal court, and legal experts say Trump may try to do the same.
7. Trump is furious. He has vowed to released his own “report” next week that he claims will exonerate him on all charges.
2. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis leveled racketeering charges against a host of attorneys and Trump aides, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and lawyers Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and John Eastman, who was an architect of the plan to challenge the certification of electoral votes.
3. Arrest warrants have been issued, and all defendants have been given until noon on Aug. 25 to surrender. They are expected to be booked in Atlanta’s Rice Street Jail.
4. Unlike Trump’s other indictments, his arraignment and trial are set to be televised under Georgia provisions that prioritize transparency in the legal system.
5. The indictment could very well be the hardest for Trump to escape. Even if he wins the presidency next year, he is not able to pardon himself for state crimes. And Georgia is unique among many states in that the governor does not have the direct power to pardon or commute sentences.
6. Willis’ hope for a speedy trial in Georgia is already upsetting the defendants. Meadows’ attorneys are trying to move the trial to federal court, and legal experts say Trump may try to do the same.
7. Trump is furious. He has vowed to released his own “report” next week that he claims will exonerate him on all charges.
Associated Press
All Defendants To Be Booked At Atlanta Jail
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday evening that the 19 people indicted Monday are expected to be booked in Atlanta’s Rice Street Jail.
"At this point, based on guidance received from the district attorney’s office and presiding judge, it is expected that all 19 defendants named in the indictment will be booked at the Rice Street Jail," a statement from the department said.
Defendants have until noon on Aug. 25 to turn themselves in.
"At this point, based on guidance received from the district attorney’s office and presiding judge, it is expected that all 19 defendants named in the indictment will be booked at the Rice Street Jail," a statement from the department said.
Defendants have until noon on Aug. 25 to turn themselves in.
Trump's Looming TV Spectacle
Unlike Trump's federal case involving election interference, his future trial in Georgia is set to be televised. HuffPost's Paul Blumenthal illuminates the parallels between Trump's latest indictment and the infamous O.J. Simpson trial — and how Trump's entire public life has led up to this moment. Read more:
Pardon Not On The Table In Georgia
HuffPost's Jennifer Bendery explains why the charges in Georgia may be the most difficult for the former president to beat. Read more here:
Associated Press
DeSantis Thinks Trump’s Latest Indictment Shows The ‘Criminalization Of Politics’
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slammed former President Donald Trump’s most recent indictment on Tuesday, The Hill reported.
“I think it’s an example of this criminalization of politics,” DeSantis, who is running against Trump in the GOP presidential primary, said during a press call. “I don’t think this is something that’s good for the country.”
The Florida governor also bashed Atlanta, saying it has “huge problems with crime” and that its strategy to eliminate it has been “less than exacting.”
“I think there are criminals that they’ve let out that shouldn’t have been let out,” DeSantis added. “And so now they’re doing an inordinate amount of resources to try to shoehorn this contest over the 2020 election into a RICO statute, which was really designed to be able to go after organized crime.”
“I think it’s an example of this criminalization of politics,” DeSantis, who is running against Trump in the GOP presidential primary, said during a press call. “I don’t think this is something that’s good for the country.”
The Florida governor also bashed Atlanta, saying it has “huge problems with crime” and that its strategy to eliminate it has been “less than exacting.”
“I think there are criminals that they’ve let out that shouldn’t have been let out,” DeSantis added. “And so now they’re doing an inordinate amount of resources to try to shoehorn this contest over the 2020 election into a RICO statute, which was really designed to be able to go after organized crime.”
Associated Press
Giuliani Speaks Through His Lawyer
Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, one of 19 people indicted in this case, typically speaks to reporters himself, but he leaned on his lawyer Ted Goodman as a mouthpiece Tuesday.
“This is a man who isn’t afraid to fight. He knows what he’s done is all by the book, and justice will prevail,” Goodman said at a news conference that largely focused on Giuliani’s history as the mayor of New York City.
When reporters asked him why Giuliani was missing in action, Goodman simply replied that his client is “a busy man.”
“This is a man who isn’t afraid to fight. He knows what he’s done is all by the book, and justice will prevail,” Goodman said at a news conference that largely focused on Giuliani’s history as the mayor of New York City.
When reporters asked him why Giuliani was missing in action, Goodman simply replied that his client is “a busy man.”
Trump’s Arraignment In Georgia Could Be Televised
Unlike federal cases, it’s relatively standard for Georgia courts to allow photographers and video cameras inside the courtroom, meaning Trump’s arraignment could be televised. The media must apply to record any proceedings, but judges approve most applications and would need to offer a specific, compelling reason to deny them.
“Open courtrooms are an indispensable element of an effective and respected judicial system,” a 2018 order reads. “It is the policy of Georgia’s courts to promote access to and understanding of court proceedings, not only by the participants in them, but also by the general public and by news media who will report on the proceedings to the public.”
The New York Times has more.
“Open courtrooms are an indispensable element of an effective and respected judicial system,” a 2018 order reads. “It is the policy of Georgia’s courts to promote access to and understanding of court proceedings, not only by the participants in them, but also by the general public and by news media who will report on the proceedings to the public.”
The New York Times has more.
Republicans: Let's Decide This At The Ballot Box
Republicans are rallying around Trump after Monday's indictment, arguing that the charges against him are politically motivated and that voters, not the courts, should decide his fate.
“If you disagree with Donald Trump, campaign against him. That’s called democracy," said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Read more from HuffPost's Igor Bobic and Arthur Delaney:
“If you disagree with Donald Trump, campaign against him. That’s called democracy," said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Read more from HuffPost's Igor Bobic and Arthur Delaney:
AP Photo
Meadows Requests Move To Federal Court
Trump's former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, who was indicted Monday, is seeking to move his trial to federal court, according to a Tuesday filing.
In the filing, Meadows' attorneys argue that because he was charged for actions he allegedly carried out as a federal official, the trial should be moved from state to federal court.
They also argue that "nothing Mr. Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se: arranging Oval Office meetings, contacting state officials on the President's behalf, visiting a state government building, and setting up a phone call for the President. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things."
"This is precisely the kind of state interference in a federal official’s duties that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits, and that the removal statute shields against," the filing reads.
The indictment makes several criminal allegations against Meadows, including his involvement in the now-infamous call Trump made to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021.
In the filing, Meadows' attorneys argue that because he was charged for actions he allegedly carried out as a federal official, the trial should be moved from state to federal court.
They also argue that "nothing Mr. Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se: arranging Oval Office meetings, contacting state officials on the President's behalf, visiting a state government building, and setting up a phone call for the President. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things."
"This is precisely the kind of state interference in a federal official’s duties that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits, and that the removal statute shields against," the filing reads.
The indictment makes several criminal allegations against Meadows, including his involvement in the now-infamous call Trump made to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021.
Fulton County Clerk Explains Pre-Indictment Docket Error
Monday afternoon, Reuters reported that a document listing charges against Trump had been filed with the Fulton County court, before a grand jury had actually handed up its indictment of the former president. Then the document vanished, the Fulton County Clerk’s office issued a statement calling it “fictitious” and Reuters walked back its reporting — all sparking confusion. Trump supporters worked themselves into a frenzy, calling for a mistrial on social media when a trial is still months from beginning.
Tuesday afternoon, Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts Che Alexander issued another statement with a more complete explanation. Alexander said she filed a placeholder document to test the computer system “in anticipation of issues that arise with entering a potentially large indictment.”
“Unfortunately, the sample working document led to the docketing of what appeared to be an indictment, but which was, in fact, only a fictitious docket sheet," the statement said.
Tuesday afternoon, Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts Che Alexander issued another statement with a more complete explanation. Alexander said she filed a placeholder document to test the computer system “in anticipation of issues that arise with entering a potentially large indictment.”
“Unfortunately, the sample working document led to the docketing of what appeared to be an indictment, but which was, in fact, only a fictitious docket sheet," the statement said.
AP Images
Will Trump Try To Move Trial To Federal Court?
Although Trump’s latest indictment was filed in Georgia state court, legal experts say there’s a solid chance his legal team will attempt to have the case moved to federal court, which could have significant implications for the trial’s outcome.
Federal court would present the former president with two benefits: the possibility of a Trump-appointed judge and the potential of a more Trump-friendly juror pool. Georgia’s Fulton County, where Trump has been charged, is heavily Democratic, and 72% of votes in the 2020 election there were for President Joe Biden.
If Trump attempts this maneuver, he’ll most likely argue that the crimes he’s charged with relate to his duties as a member of the federal government and cite a federal statute that allows cases to be moved.
Trump, who’s been indicted in three other cases, has already tried and failed to move his other state-level charge, which regards hush money payments to the porn star Stormy Daniels, to federal court. A judge shot down the request, saying the charges weren’t related to Trump’s presidential powers.
Federal court would present the former president with two benefits: the possibility of a Trump-appointed judge and the potential of a more Trump-friendly juror pool. Georgia’s Fulton County, where Trump has been charged, is heavily Democratic, and 72% of votes in the 2020 election there were for President Joe Biden.
If Trump attempts this maneuver, he’ll most likely argue that the crimes he’s charged with relate to his duties as a member of the federal government and cite a federal statute that allows cases to be moved.
Trump, who’s been indicted in three other cases, has already tried and failed to move his other state-level charge, which regards hush money payments to the porn star Stormy Daniels, to federal court. A judge shot down the request, saying the charges weren’t related to Trump’s presidential powers.
Protesters Largely Absent
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) urged her fellow Trump supporters not to show up outside the Fulton County Courthouse in protest of the charges, writing on social media, "Don't give them an ounce of your flesh."
Fortunately for her, there has been no sign of any such thing, although Atlanta officials have stepped up security as a precaution. In the past, Trump has urged his supporters to turn out en masse to oppose his indictments, with meager results.
Fortunately for her, there has been no sign of any such thing, although Atlanta officials have stepped up security as a precaution. In the past, Trump has urged his supporters to turn out en masse to oppose his indictments, with meager results.
Other Fulton County RICO Cases Have Taken A While
Since its adoption in 1980, Georgia’s expansive state RICO act has been used in other very high-profile cases. But two recent examples out of Fulton County have taken quite a while, raising questions about how plausible it is that Trump’s trial will start within six months, as Willis wants.
Willis brought state RICO charges against rapper Young Thug and more than two dozen members of his artist collective in May 2022. While jury selection began this past January, a panel has still not been seated more than six months later. Many of the prospective jurors have argued the monthslong time commitment required by the trial is too much to ask, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In 2013, a group of 35 Georgia educators were indicted on a test-score-rigging scheme in a case that also involved the state RICO act. (Willis, then working as a prosecutor, helped lead the case.) Jury selection began more than a year after the indictments, in August 2014, followed by opening statements a month later. The trial itself lasted more than six months, concluding in April 2015.
Willis brought state RICO charges against rapper Young Thug and more than two dozen members of his artist collective in May 2022. While jury selection began this past January, a panel has still not been seated more than six months later. Many of the prospective jurors have argued the monthslong time commitment required by the trial is too much to ask, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In 2013, a group of 35 Georgia educators were indicted on a test-score-rigging scheme in a case that also involved the state RICO act. (Willis, then working as a prosecutor, helped lead the case.) Jury selection began more than a year after the indictments, in August 2014, followed by opening statements a month later. The trial itself lasted more than six months, concluding in April 2015.
What To Know About Georgia Poll Worker Ruby Freeman
Monday's indictment includes details about how Trump's associates allegedly intimidated and harassed ex-Fulton County poll worker Ruby Freeman.
Read more from HuffPost's Nina Golgowski:
Read more from HuffPost's Nina Golgowski:
Getty Images
Raffensperger Speaks Out
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the Republican official who pushed back when Trump asked him to “find” enough votes in his favor, came out with a brief statement Tuesday morning.
“The most basic principles of a strong democracy are accountability and respect for the Constitution and rule of law,” he said. “You either have it, or you don’t.”
“The most basic principles of a strong democracy are accountability and respect for the Constitution and rule of law,” he said. “You either have it, or you don’t.”
What Georgia’s Republican Governor Is Saying
Not much. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has found himself in a precarious political situation, considering Trump’s enduring popularity among Republican Party voters. Kemp was already subpoenaed last year in the Fulton County case, and is expected to share what he knows about Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results when it goes to trial.
A Kemp spokesperson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Greg Bluestein, who has written about the governor’s rocky situation, that he would not be commenting.
However Kemp had the following to say on social media alongside a screenshot of Trump's fraud claims: "The 2020 election in Georgia was not stolen. For nearly three years now, anyone with evidence of fraud has failed to come forward - under oath - and prove anything in a court of law."
A Kemp spokesperson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Greg Bluestein, who has written about the governor’s rocky situation, that he would not be commenting.
However Kemp had the following to say on social media alongside a screenshot of Trump's fraud claims: "The 2020 election in Georgia was not stolen. For nearly three years now, anyone with evidence of fraud has failed to come forward - under oath - and prove anything in a court of law."
What To Know About Judge Scott McAfee
Overseeing the new case — one of the most consequential ever to be tried in Georgia — will be a relatively new addition to the bench, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee.
McAfee, 34, assumed his current role in February following an appointment by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), who had previously tapped him to serve as the state’s inspector general, an office intended to hold government officials accountable. McAfee worked as a federal prosecutor in the Northern District of Georgia and held other prosecutorial roles before that.
Kemp touted him as a devoted public servant who’d handled cases involving major drug trafficking organizations, fraud conspiracies and illegal firearms possession.
"His experience as a tough prosecutor equips him to search out fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, and bring those to justice who break the law,” Kemp said in a 2021 statement.
McAfee is married with two kids. He is also a lifelong Georgian, having received his law degree from the University of Georgia and bachelor’s from Emory University. He plans to run for reelection to the same spot on the bench in 2024.
McAfee, 34, assumed his current role in February following an appointment by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), who had previously tapped him to serve as the state’s inspector general, an office intended to hold government officials accountable. McAfee worked as a federal prosecutor in the Northern District of Georgia and held other prosecutorial roles before that.
Kemp touted him as a devoted public servant who’d handled cases involving major drug trafficking organizations, fraud conspiracies and illegal firearms possession.
"His experience as a tough prosecutor equips him to search out fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, and bring those to justice who break the law,” Kemp said in a 2021 statement.
McAfee is married with two kids. He is also a lifelong Georgian, having received his law degree from the University of Georgia and bachelor’s from Emory University. He plans to run for reelection to the same spot on the bench in 2024.
Trump Says He Will Present Own Report On Georgia
In a Truth Social post on Tuesday morning, Trump said he would present a "CONCLUSIVE" report on "Georgia election fraud" at a news conference on Monday in Bedminster, New Jersey.
"Based on the results of this CONCLUSIVE Report, all charges should be dropped against me & others - There will be a complete EXONERATION! They never went after those that Rigged the Election. They only went after those that fought to find the RIGGERS!" he wrote.
"Based on the results of this CONCLUSIVE Report, all charges should be dropped against me & others - There will be a complete EXONERATION! They never went after those that Rigged the Election. They only went after those that fought to find the RIGGERS!" he wrote.
What Timing For A Hillary Clinton Interview
Rachel Maddow said she didn't expect to be speaking with Hillary Clinton just moments after the news came out about the latest Trump indictment. And neither did people sharing their thoughts on X, formerly Twitter. HuffPost's Josie Harvey has rounded up some fun responses here.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Historic Front Page
Being shared this morning on X (formerly Twitter): The Atlanta Journal-Constitution goes big on its front page on the Trump indictment.
The paper has been covering the issue of election interference in depth since November 2020. Here's a link to their coverage, where you can also sign up for a subscription if you don't already have one.
The paper has been covering the issue of election interference in depth since November 2020. Here's a link to their coverage, where you can also sign up for a subscription if you don't already have one.
Former Watergate Figure Sums It Up
John Dean, who served as White House counsel to President Richard Nixon, offered some context on the Trump indictment on Monday.
Dean said the case "goes to the very foundation of democracy."
Read more here.
Dean said the case "goes to the very foundation of democracy."
Read more here.
Notable Names Also Facing Charges
Among the 18 others charged alongside Trump are some names that have become very familiar over the last few years. Mark Meadows, Trump's last chief of staff, had dodged being charged in the three previous criminal cases brought against Trump.
But Meadows has been charged with allegedly violating Georgia's anti-racketeering law in connection with Trump's efforts to get state officials to overturn Biden's 2020 win there. He also faces a charge of soliciting a violation of oath by a public officer.
Read more here.
But Meadows has been charged with allegedly violating Georgia's anti-racketeering law in connection with Trump's efforts to get state officials to overturn Biden's 2020 win there. He also faces a charge of soliciting a violation of oath by a public officer.
Read more here.
Here Come The Jokes
If you're looking for a bit of light relief surrounding this whole thing, HuffPost's Lee Moran has rounded up some of the best quips that users of X, formerly Twitter, have to offer.
Trump Lashes Out After Latest Indictment
Trump is not happy after the latest indictment. The former president took to Truth Social to blast DA Fani Willis, calling the latest charges yet another witch hunt.
“So, the Witch Hunt continues! 19 people Indicated tonight, including the former President of the United States, me, by an out of control and very corrupt District Attorney who campaigned and raised money on, ‘I will get Trump,’” the former president wrote.
“So, the Witch Hunt continues! 19 people Indicated tonight, including the former President of the United States, me, by an out of control and very corrupt District Attorney who campaigned and raised money on, ‘I will get Trump,’” the former president wrote.
Trump Attorneys Call Indictment Day 'Shocking And Absurd'
In a late night statement, Trump attorneys Drew Findling, Jennifer Little and Marissa Goldberg used a mistaken posting of a list of charges on Fulton County's website earlier Monday to discredit the DA's investigation.
"The events that have unfolded today have been shocking and absurd, starting with the leak of a presumed and premature indictment before the witnesses had testified or the grand jurors had deliberated and ending with the District Attorney being unable to offer any explanation," reads the statement. "In light of this major fumble, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office clearly decided to force through and rush this 98-page indictment."
"We look forward to a detailed review of this indictment which is undoubtedly just as flawed and unconstitutional as this entire process has been," they concluded.
"The events that have unfolded today have been shocking and absurd, starting with the leak of a presumed and premature indictment before the witnesses had testified or the grand jurors had deliberated and ending with the District Attorney being unable to offer any explanation," reads the statement. "In light of this major fumble, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office clearly decided to force through and rush this 98-page indictment."
"We look forward to a detailed review of this indictment which is undoubtedly just as flawed and unconstitutional as this entire process has been," they concluded.
More On Trump's Surrender Date
DA Willis noted in her press conference that Trump and the other defendants have until August 25 to surrender.
Read more on that from HuffPost's Kevin Robillard:
Read more on that from HuffPost's Kevin Robillard:
John Bazemore/Associated Press
Key Things To Know About The Georgia Indictment
1. 19 defendants — including Donald Trump — have been charged with a total of 41 counts centered on a criminal conspiracy to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results.
2. All of the defendants have been charged under Georgia’s RICO Act, which is used in cases where multiple defendants have allegedly worked together to further a criminal enterprise, such as attempting to overturn an election.
3. The indictment includes many lawyers and aides who tried to keep Trump in power: former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, lawyer Rudy Giuliani, lawyer Sidney Powell, Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark and lawyer Jenna Ellis, among many others.
4. Arrest warrants have been issued, and defendants have been given until noon on Aug. 25 to surrender to authorities.
5. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said she will seek a speedy trial that begins sometime in the next six months.
2. All of the defendants have been charged under Georgia’s RICO Act, which is used in cases where multiple defendants have allegedly worked together to further a criminal enterprise, such as attempting to overturn an election.
3. The indictment includes many lawyers and aides who tried to keep Trump in power: former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, lawyer Rudy Giuliani, lawyer Sidney Powell, Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark and lawyer Jenna Ellis, among many others.
4. Arrest warrants have been issued, and defendants have been given until noon on Aug. 25 to surrender to authorities.
5. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said she will seek a speedy trial that begins sometime in the next six months.
John Bazemore/Associated Press
Willis: Office Followed The Same Process As In Any Other Case
District Attorney Fani Willis responded to a question about any partisan nature in the case, saying her office followed the law and made decisions based on the facts, nothing more.
“The law is completely nonpartisan,” she said. “To date, this office has indicted, since I’ve been district attorney, over 12,000 cases.”
“We follow the same process, we look at the facts, we look at the law and we bring charges," she added.
“The law is completely nonpartisan,” she said. “To date, this office has indicted, since I’ve been district attorney, over 12,000 cases.”
“We follow the same process, we look at the facts, we look at the law and we bring charges," she added.
Scope Beyond Georgia
Willis noted the indictment details alleged criminal acts that took place in Georgia but also those that occurred in other states that were "included because the grand jury believes they were part of the illegal effort" to overturn the election.
“All elections in our nation are administered by the states, which are given the responsibility of ensuring a fair process and an accurate counting of the votes,” Willis said. “The states’ role in this process is essential to the functioning of our democracy.”
"Georgia, like every state, has laws that allow those who believe the results of an election are wrong ... to challenge those results in our state courts," she continued. "The indictment alleges that rather than abide by Georgia’s legal process ... the defendants engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise."
“All elections in our nation are administered by the states, which are given the responsibility of ensuring a fair process and an accurate counting of the votes,” Willis said. “The states’ role in this process is essential to the functioning of our democracy.”
"Georgia, like every state, has laws that allow those who believe the results of an election are wrong ... to challenge those results in our state courts," she continued. "The indictment alleges that rather than abide by Georgia’s legal process ... the defendants engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise."
District Attorney Willis Seeking Speedy Trial
When asked about her timeline for a trial, given the president's other indictments and looming legal proceedings, Willis said, “I don’t have any desire to be first or last."
"We do want to move this case along," she added, saying she'll seek a trial date within the next six months.
"We do want to move this case along," she added, saying she'll seek a trial date within the next six months.
Defendants Have Until Aug. 25 At Noon To Surrender
DA Fani Willis said the Fulton County grand jury has issued arrest warrants to the 19 people charged in the indictment.
They have until noon on Friday Aug. 25 to surrender, the district attorney said.
They have until noon on Friday Aug. 25 to surrender, the district attorney said.
Associated Press
DA Fani Willis Announces Charges
In a press conference announcing the charges, Willis said prosecutors “worked diligently on the investigation of criminal attempts to interfere in the administration of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election.”
Willis named all 19 defendants, including Trump.
"Every individual charged in the indictment is charged with one count of violating Georgia's [RICO] law through participation in a criminal enterprise in Fulton County, Georgia, and elsewhere to accomplish the illegal goal of allowing Donald J. Trump to seize the presidential term of office," Willis said.
Willis named all 19 defendants, including Trump.
"Every individual charged in the indictment is charged with one count of violating Georgia's [RICO] law through participation in a criminal enterprise in Fulton County, Georgia, and elsewhere to accomplish the illegal goal of allowing Donald J. Trump to seize the presidential term of office," Willis said.
Getty Images
More On The Big RICO Charge
Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows and the other defendants are accused in the indictment of comprising a “criminal organization” that worked collectively with the goal of “unlawfully chang[ing] the outcome of the election in favor of Trump."
“That conspiracy contained a common plan and purpose to commit two or more acts of racketeering activity in Fulton County, Georgia, elsewhere in the State of Georgia, and in other states,” the indictment says.
According to the indictment, the defendants (plus 30 unnamed co-conspirators) engaged in activities such as filing false documents, influencing witnesses, forgery and conspiracy to defraud the state. The indictment notes that these activities took place not just in Georgia but also in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
“That conspiracy contained a common plan and purpose to commit two or more acts of racketeering activity in Fulton County, Georgia, elsewhere in the State of Georgia, and in other states,” the indictment says.
According to the indictment, the defendants (plus 30 unnamed co-conspirators) engaged in activities such as filing false documents, influencing witnesses, forgery and conspiracy to defraud the state. The indictment notes that these activities took place not just in Georgia but also in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Top Congressional Democrats: Indictment Portrays ‘Pattern Of Criminal Activity’
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) just released a joint statement:
“The fourth indictment of Donald Trump, just like the three which came before it, portrays a repeated pattern of criminal activity by the former president,” they said. “The actions taken by the Fulton County District Attorney, along with other state and federal prosecutors, reaffirms the shared belief that in America no one, not even the president, is above the law.”
The pair urged Trump and his supporters to “allow the legal process to proceed” without any interference.
“The fourth indictment of Donald Trump, just like the three which came before it, portrays a repeated pattern of criminal activity by the former president,” they said. “The actions taken by the Fulton County District Attorney, along with other state and federal prosecutors, reaffirms the shared belief that in America no one, not even the president, is above the law.”
The pair urged Trump and his supporters to “allow the legal process to proceed” without any interference.
There Are A Lot Of Trump Cases: A Quick Primer
The indictment in Georgia is Trump’s fourth this year. It’s a lot to keep track of, so here’s a quick reminder of the legal maelstrom swirling around the former president:
1. State charges in the Stormy Daniels case in New York, linked to hush money payments made in the days leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
2. Federal charges in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, surrounding Trump’s handling of classified material after he left the White House.
3. Federal charges in the Jan. 6 conspiracy case, which include multiple counts linked to Trump’s efforts to stay in power and subvert the will of the American voters.
4. State charges in the Georgia case, centered on efforts to interfere in the state’s election.
There’s a lot more detail here:
1. State charges in the Stormy Daniels case in New York, linked to hush money payments made in the days leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
2. Federal charges in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, surrounding Trump’s handling of classified material after he left the White House.
3. Federal charges in the Jan. 6 conspiracy case, which include multiple counts linked to Trump’s efforts to stay in power and subvert the will of the American voters.
4. State charges in the Georgia case, centered on efforts to interfere in the state’s election.
There’s a lot more detail here:
Read The Indictment
We have posted the full indictment text here so you can read through it yourself:
98 Pages, 41 Charges
The 98-page indictment charges the defendants with 41 criminal counts, including racketeering charges, impersonating a public officer, perjury and conspiracy to commit forgery.
That first charge — violation of the Georgia RICO Act — is categorized as a "serious felony." That count makes up a large portion of the indictment documents. All 19 defendants, including Trump, Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, face that charge.
That first charge — violation of the Georgia RICO Act — is categorized as a "serious felony." That count makes up a large portion of the indictment documents. All 19 defendants, including Trump, Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, face that charge.
There Are 19 Named Defendants In The Indictment, Including Donald Trump
The indictment names multiple defendants, including many of the attorneys who worked to keep Trump in office: Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, Kenneth Chesebro, Jeffrey Clark, Jenna Ellis, Ray Stallings Smith III, Robert Cheeley, Michael Roman, David Shaver, Shawn Still, Stephen Lee, Harrison Floyd, Trevian Kutti, Sidney Powell, Cathleen Latham, Scott Hall and Misty Hampton.
It is a 41-count felony indictment.
It is a 41-count felony indictment.
More Details On Trump's Indictment
HuffPost's S.V. Date reports on the former president's indictment in Georgia:
JUST IN: Trump Indicted
Trump has been indicted on criminal charges, according to filings from Fulton County. We'll have more details shortly.
Soon: Press Conference
Reporters at the courthouse are being gathered for a press conference, although it's unclear when that will start.
The district attorney's office said earlier tonight that Willis would brief reporters after the indictment was processed by the clerk's office.
The district attorney's office said earlier tonight that Willis would brief reporters after the indictment was processed by the clerk's office.
The Trump Campaign Just Released A Statement
Trump’s campaign just released a furious statement after the reported indictments, blasting DA Fani Willis and claiming “all of these corrupt Democrat attempts will fail.”
“The legal double-standard set against President Trump must end,” the campaign said. “Under the Crooked Biden Cartel, there are no rules for Democrats, while Republicans face criminal charges for exercising their First Amendment rights.”
The campaign went on to say the indictments themselves represented “election interference or election manipulation.”
“They are taking away President Trump’s First Amendment right to free speech, and the right to challenge a rigged and stolen election that the Democrats do all the time,” the statement says. “The ones who should be prosecuted are the ones who created the corruption.”
“The legal double-standard set against President Trump must end,” the campaign said. “Under the Crooked Biden Cartel, there are no rules for Democrats, while Republicans face criminal charges for exercising their First Amendment rights.”
The campaign went on to say the indictments themselves represented “election interference or election manipulation.”
“They are taking away President Trump’s First Amendment right to free speech, and the right to challenge a rigged and stolen election that the Democrats do all the time,” the statement says. “The ones who should be prosecuted are the ones who created the corruption.”
Some Think There Aren't Actually 10 Indictments
A cover page handed to the judge earlier this evening indicated there were 10 indictments.
But only one or some of those could be linked to the Trump case as other indictments were on the Fulton County docket today that were handed up by the grand jury. They could be completely unrelated to the former president’s case.
“If you look at today's Fulton court [docket] you can see the grand jury handed up two other non-Trump case-related indictments today,” Tamar Hallerman, a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote. “So those could be two of the 10 on that cover page.”
But only one or some of those could be linked to the Trump case as other indictments were on the Fulton County docket today that were handed up by the grand jury. They could be completely unrelated to the former president’s case.
“If you look at today's Fulton court [docket] you can see the grand jury handed up two other non-Trump case-related indictments today,” Tamar Hallerman, a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote. “So those could be two of the 10 on that cover page.”
What's RICO?
Many observers of the district attorney's investigation expect Fani Willis to use Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known colloquially as RICO, against Trump. Georgia's law and similar federal and state statutes historically have been used to go after organized crime structures, but the law is broad enough to be used in any case where multiple people are working together to further a criminal enterprise. --i.e., allegedly attempting to overturn election results.
Willis has extensive experience with RICO cases, including a 2015 case in which 11 Atlanta public school educators were convicted on racketeering charges in a test-cheating scandal.
Willis has extensive experience with RICO cases, including a 2015 case in which 11 Atlanta public school educators were convicted on racketeering charges in a test-cheating scandal.
Hillary Clinton Says Indictment ‘Terrible Moment For Our Country’
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is talking with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow in an interview scheduled before today’s indictment mania.
“I don’t feel any satisfaction. I just feel great profound sadness that we have a former president who has been indicted for so many charges that went right to the heart of whether or not our democracy would survive,” Clinton said.
“This is a terrible moment for our country to have, a former president accused of these terribly important crimes," she said.
She added the only silver lining is that the country’s legal system seems to be working as it should.
“I don’t feel any satisfaction. I just feel great profound sadness that we have a former president who has been indicted for so many charges that went right to the heart of whether or not our democracy would survive,” Clinton said.
“This is a terrible moment for our country to have, a former president accused of these terribly important crimes," she said.
She added the only silver lining is that the country’s legal system seems to be working as it should.
Trump Posted About The Probe Against Federal Judge’s Orders
Former President Donald Trump used Truth Social to discuss the election interference investigation, calling on a potential witness to decline to take the stand. Given that a federal judge restricted him from doing so in a different case on Friday, he may face another legal challenge, according to HuffPost’s Jonathan Nicholson.
Read more from Nicholson here.
Read more from Nicholson here.
The Grand Jury Members Will Likely Be Made Public
Georgia grand jury rules generally mean all members of the body that heard evidence will be listed publicly in the indictment. The grand jury is made up of 23 members, and the law requires only 12 of those to agree there is probably cause to hand up criminal charges.
It will not be clear how each juror voted on any potential charges.
The judge or district attorney could move to see those names made private considering the high-profile nature of the case, but that would be against the norm.
It will not be clear how each juror voted on any potential charges.
The judge or district attorney could move to see those names made private considering the high-profile nature of the case, but that would be against the norm.
It Could Be Hours Before We See These Indictments
The district attorney’s office said it will hold a press conference on any charges after the indictments are processed by the clerk’s office. Reporters in Atlanta say that could take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.
SO… it’s probably going to be a late night.
SO… it’s probably going to be a late night.
Grand Jury Returns Indictments
The grand jury in Georgia's Fulton County has returned 10 indictments, several news outlets reported Monday.
We'll have more updates shortly — stay tuned.
We'll have more updates shortly — stay tuned.