Former President Donald Trump is facing a federal criminal case in Washington, D.C., for allegedly trying to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election. He is claiming that he has presidential immunity and that his actions were part of his official duties. He is appealing a lower-court ruling that rejected his immunity claim.
The indictment charges him with 51 counts, including conspiracy to commit election fraud, obstruction of an official proceeding, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and seditious conspiracy.
The case is based on evidence that Trump and his allies repeatedly spread false claims that the election was rigged and stolen from him, and that he urged his supporters to “fight like hell” and “stop the steal” on the day that Congress was certifying the electoral votes.
The case is being led by Jack Smith, a special counsel appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. If convicted, Trump could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
Most Americans don’t think Trump should have immunity for his actions.
