Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to revised charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, according to court documents, opting to waive his right to attend the arraignment, instead authorizing his legal team to enter his plea.

Trump is facing updated charges in connection with special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election results, with changes having been made to the original indictment in light of a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court ruling, as Fox News reports.

Not Guilty Plea Entered by Attorneys

In a court filing obtained by Fox News, Trump confirmed his intent to plead not guilty through his attorneys. The document states, "I authorize my attorneys to enter a plea of not guilty on my behalf to each and every count of the superseding indictment, Doc. 226." It also clarifies that Trump has reviewed the revised indictment with his legal counsel and has decided to forgo personal attendance at the arraignment.

The updated indictment stems from Trump’s alleged role in a scheme to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject legitimate electoral votes during the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

The indictment also accuses Trump of organizing a group of "fake" electors in key states won by Biden in an attempt to challenge the official results.

Charges Revised Following Supreme Court Ruling

The revised charges follow a Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential immunity, specifically for actions carried out in an official capacity while in the White House. The 6-3 decision has had implications on Trump’s legal defense, with his attorneys arguing that his actions after the 2020 election fall under the umbrella of executive immunity.

Smith’s indictment accuses Trump of engaging in various conspiracies aimed at undermining the 2020 election outcome. These charges are not new, as Trump had previously pleaded not guilty to similar accusations. However, the revised indictment includes fresh legal arguments, partly shaped by the recent Supreme Court decision, and adds new layers of complexity to the ongoing federal investigation.

Allegations Against Trump

Among the most significant allegations in the case is that Trump pressured Pence to reject certified electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the unrest at the U.S. Capitol. Smith’s investigation claims that Trump attempted to replace legitimate electors with allegedly "fake" electors in states Biden won, such as Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.

These actions, according to the indictment, were part of a broader plan to disrupt the certification of Biden’s victory and sow doubt about the legitimacy of the 2020 election results.

Trump Maintains His Right to Act

In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Trump reiterated his stance that he had the legal authority to take the actions he did following the 2020 election. "Whoever heard you get indicted for interfering with a presidential election where you have every right to do it?" Trump asked during the interview, stressing his belief that his actions were justified under the law.

His legal team has consistently argued that the former president’s post-election efforts were within his rights as a sitting president, aiming to ensure election integrity. Trump, who has repeatedly called the federal investigation a politically motivated "witch hunt," continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Harris Campaign Responds to Trump’s Comments

Following Trump's interview, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign issued a statement condemning his remarks. A Harris campaign spokesperson said, "Now, Trump is claiming he had 'every right' to interfere in the 2020 election. He did not." The statement reflects ongoing tensions between the current administration and Trump over the legitimacy of the 2020 election and the ongoing investigations into his role in the events that followed.

Harris’s team has been vocal in its criticism of Trump’s post-election actions, positioning the case as an example of Trump’s disregard for democratic norms and the rule of law.

Next Steps in Case

As Trump prepares for the next phase of his legal battle, his defense team is expected to rely heavily on the argument of presidential immunity, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling. This legal strategy may focus on portraying Trump’s actions as part of his official duties as president, which could complicate efforts to convict him on the revised charges.

The federal case against Trump is one of several legal challenges he faces, including a separate case in Georgia related to alleged election interference.

Conclusion

Trump’s decision to plead not guilty to the revised federal charges marks another chapter in the high-profile legal saga surrounding the 2020 election.

With accusations of conspiracy and obstruction at the forefront of the case, Trump’s legal team is preparing to contest the charges, arguing that his actions were justified under presidential authority.

As special counsel Jack Smith continues to pursue the case, Trump remains steadfast in his defense, maintaining that he had "every right" to act as he did after the 2020 election.

The upcoming legal proceedings will continue to shape the conversation around Trump’s role in the events of Jan. 6 and his efforts to challenge the election results, while also influencing the broader political landscape ahead of the 2024 election.