In an explosive 165-page court filing, U.S. prosecutors revealed fresh details surrounding Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to cling to power after his 2020 election defeat. Asserting Trump operated outside presidential duties, the document accuses him of pressuring state officials and his own vice president, Mike Pence, to block the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.
Central to the case is Trump’s attempt to manipulate Pence into using his role in overseeing Congress’s Jan. 6 certification to overturn the results. Prosecutors allege that Trump warned Pence, saying people would “hate your guts” if he failed to act. When Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol, Trump allegedly shrugged off news that Pence had been moved to safety, responding, “so what?” The filing paints a vivid picture of Trump’s behind-the-scenes behavior, including mocking the claims of his own legal team, reportedly calling one attorney’s allegations “crazy.”
Prosecutors included a Twitter post from Trump during the Capitol riot, where he criticized Pence for lacking the “courage” to challenge the election results. According to the filing, this post was not aimed at calming unrest but instead reflected a desperate candidate realizing his grip on power was slipping.
Trump, who faces four criminal charges, continues to call the investigation a politically motivated “witch hunt,” as his legal team works to have the case dismissed, leaning on a Supreme Court ruling that provides former presidents broad immunity for official actions. However, the prosecution has been building a robust narrative, complete with witness testimonies and evidence gathered from the grand jury.
The upcoming election adds a layer of tension, as a potential Trump victory could halt these proceedings altogether if he directs the Justice Department to drop the charges. For now, the case against Trump edges forward, with both sides preparing for the legal battle ahead.
