The new indictment immediately shook the political world. It accuses the former president of “conspiracy to defraud the United States,” “conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding,” “obstruction of and attempt to obstruct that proceeding,” and “conspiracy to violate rights guaranteed under the Constitution.” Prosecutors say this case isn’t political drama but potential criminal behavior tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

After the election, public messaging insisted “the election was stolen.” But the indictment says advisors repeatedly told Trump there was no evidence supporting these claims. Prosecutors argue the fraud charge comes from this gap — that he continued pushing false claims despite being informed otherwise.

The indictment also describes efforts to block Congress’s certification on January 6, including assembling “alternate electors” in key states to create confusion and pressure lawmakers. It highlights calls and meetings aimed at convincing state officials to overturn certified results or “find” votes.

Prosecutors claim Trump’s actions contributed to the environment that led to the Capitol riot, even if he didn’t enter the building. The civil-rights charge argues that attempting to overturn lawful results was an effort to deprive millions of voters of the value of their ballots — a modern use of a Reconstruction-era law.

Trump says he was protecting election integrity, calling the investigations political persecution. Critics say accountability is essential. Prosecutors must prove he knew the claims were false, while his defense will argue he believed them. The case now moves forward, focusing on when political pressure becomes criminal conduct.