<p>Even after having missed the GOP presidential debate Wednesday (Aug 23, former US president Donald Trump turned out to be the biggest newsmaker on social media on that night.</p>

<p>He appeared on the Tucker Carlson Show instead, and took on his rivals, including Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>Trump’s remarks on Kamala Harris in particular generated much engagement on social media. Trump attacked Harris while speaking to Carlson and mocked her accent while saying that she "speaks in rhyme."</p>

<h2><strong>Trump’s attack on Harris</strong></h2>

<p>When Carlson asked Trump about the possibility of Kamala Harris becoming the next Democratic presidential candidate, Trump reacted by saying, “Well, not really...”</p>

<p>He added, “She has some bad moments. Her moments are almost as bad as it is. I think his (Joe Biden) is worse, actually. Yeah. She speaks in, in rhyme. And, it's weird., but she has bad moments.”</p>

<p>"Well, the way she talks, (mocking tone) the bus will go here and then the bus will go there because that's what buses do. And it's weird. The whole thing is weird. This is not a president of the United States future. And, I think they probably have some kind of a primary and other people will get involved," the 45th further said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here.</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Donald Trump to Tucker on Kamala Harris: “She speaks in rhyme. It's weird... Well, the way she talks: 'The bus will go here and then the bus will go there! Because that's what busses do!'”<br />
<br />
So good 🤣🤣🤣<br />
<br />
<a href="https://t.co/k89BFal6vK">pic.twitter.com/k89BFal6vK</a></p>
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1694527574955761965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Trump takes on&nbsp;Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Before&nbsp;hounding Harris with his verbal attacks, Trump targeted Joe Biden, who he claimed was “worse mentally than physically.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Absent Donald trump still expected to remain in the spotlight</strong></p>

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<p>Trump commented on how Biden looked while enjoying on beach. “This beach is seeming to play a big role, but they love pictures of him (Biden) on the beach. I think it looks terrible on the beach. Well, he can't walk through the sand. You know, sand is not that easy to walk through, but when he walks, he can't walk through the sand. And there's somebody in there that looks fabulous at the beach. I think he looks horrible at the beach. Plus the beach doesn't represent what the president is supposed to be doing?”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gop-debate-vivek-ramaswamy-calls-climate-change-a-hoax-aid-to-ukraine-disastrous-628574"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;GOP debate: Vivek Ramaswamy calls climate change a `hoax`, aid to Ukraine `disastrous`</strong></a></p>

<p>"You’re supposed to be working. You’re supposed to be getting ahead of that horrible, horrible war that we’re very much involved in with Russia. And Ukraine. You could do that. You could do that very easily. I believe you could do that very well. I don’t believe he could do it because he’s just incompetent. But that’s a war that should end immediately, not because of one side or the other, but because hundreds of thousands of people are being killed,” He said in the interview.</p>

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Even after having missed the GOP presidential debate Wednesday (Aug 23, former US president Donald Trump turned out to be the biggest newsmaker on social media on that night.

Even after having missed the GOP presidential debate Wednesday (Aug 23, former US president Donald Trump turned out to be the biggest newsmaker on social media on that night. He appeared on the Tucker Carlson Show instead, and took on his rivals, including Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Trump’s remarks on Kamala Harris in particular generated much engagement on social media. Trump attacked Harris while speaking to Carlson and mocked her accent while saying that she "speaks in rhyme." Trump’s attack on Harris When Carlson asked Trump about the possibility of Kamala Harris becoming the next Democratic presidential candidate, Trump reacted by saying, “Well, not really...” He added, “She has some bad moments. Her moments are almost as bad as it is. I think his (Joe Biden) is worse, actually. Yeah. She speaks in, in rhyme. And, it's weird., but she has bad moments.” "Well, the way she talks, (mocking tone) the bus will go here and then the bus will go there because that's what buses do. And it's weird. The whole thing is weird. This is not a president of the United States future. And, I think they probably have some kind of a primary and other people will get involved," the 45th further said. Watch the video here. Donald Trump to Tucker on Kamala Harris: “She speaks in rhyme. It's weird... Well, the way she talks: 'The bus will go here and then the bus will go there! Because that's what busses do!'” So good 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/k89BFal6vK — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 24, 2023 × Trump takes on Biden Before hounding Harris with his verbal attacks, Trump targeted Joe Biden, who he claimed was “worse mentally than physically.” Watch: Absent Donald trump still expected to remain in the spotlight × Trump commented on how Biden looked while enjoying on beach. “This beach is seeming to play a big role, but they love pictures of him (Biden) on the beach. I think it looks terrible on the beach. Well, he can't walk through the sand. You know, sand is not that easy to walk through, but when he walks, he can't walk through the sand. And there's somebody in there that looks fabulous at the beach. I think he looks horrible at the beach. Plus the beach doesn't represent what the president is supposed to be doing?” Also read: GOP debate: Vivek Ramaswamy calls climate change a `hoax`, aid to Ukraine `disastrous` "You’re supposed to be working. You’re supposed to be getting ahead of that horrible, horrible war that we’re very much involved in with Russia. And Ukraine. You could do that. You could do that very easily. I believe you could do that very well. I don’t believe he could do it because he’s just incompetent. But that’s a war that should end immediately, not because of one side or the other, but because hundreds of thousands of people are being killed,” He said in the interview. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘She speaks in rhyme,’ Trump mocks VP Kamala Harris’s accent on Tucker’s show, Watch

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidzjls9bwGFx6W" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Former United States president Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows asked a federal judge in Georgia to block state authorities from arresting him if he fails to voluntarily surrender by Friday (August 25) on charges that he conspired to help overturn the 2020 presidential election. According to a report by&nbsp;Bloomberg, the emergency request for an order against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was filed in a federal court in Atlanta on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in the Georgia case on August 14. Willis, who brought the indictment, gave all 19 defendants in the case until Friday to voluntarily surrender. Trump said he would appear in Atlanta on Thursday to be booked.</p>

<h2><strong>Should not be required to surrender: Meadows</strong></h2>

<p>Meadows has argued that he should not be required to surrender for booking in the state case while he fights to have the matter moved to federal court and dismissed, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He wants to avoid surrendering before a hearing at the federal court on August 28 on his request to move the case out of state court. Meadows has also argued that he is protected from state prosecution under the American Constitution as he was an employee of the federal government during the alleged misconduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a filing, Meadows' lawyers said, “Unfortunately, the state is set on subjecting Mr Meadows to criminal process in Georgia as quickly as it can and without regard to his pending efforts to remove the case to federal court.”</p>

<p>“In addition to threatening arrest on Friday — in advance of this court’s Monday hearing — the state has also sought a scheduling order that would proceed exceptionally fast for a 19-defendant, 41-count prosecution,” they added.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump faces $200K&nbsp;bond, orders not to make threats in case</strong></h2>

<p>Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House next year, has been accused of violating Georgia law by running a criminal enterprise to stay in office after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden.</p>

<p>The former president faces a $200,000 bond and has orders not to send threatening social media messages as he awaits trial in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The document, a bond agreement signed by Trump's attorneys and Fulton Country District Attorney Fani Willis, sets out release terms, including restrictions on intimidating witnesses and obstructing justice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows asked a federal judge in Georgia to block state authorities from arresting him if he fails to voluntarily surrender by Friday (August 25) on charges that he conspired to help overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Former United States president Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows asked a federal judge in Georgia to block state authorities from arresting him if he fails to voluntarily surrender by Friday (August 25) on charges that he conspired to help overturn the 2020 presidential election. According to a report by Bloomberg, the emergency request for an order against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was filed in a federal court in Atlanta on Tuesday. Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in the Georgia case on August 14. Willis, who brought the indictment, gave all 19 defendants in the case until Friday to voluntarily surrender. Trump said he would appear in Atlanta on Thursday to be booked. Should not be required to surrender: Meadows Meadows has argued that he should not be required to surrender for booking in the state case while he fights to have the matter moved to federal court and dismissed, Bloomberg reported. He wants to avoid surrendering before a hearing at the federal court on August 28 on his request to move the case out of state court. Meadows has also argued that he is protected from state prosecution under the American Constitution as he was an employee of the federal government during the alleged misconduct. In a filing, Meadows' lawyers said, “Unfortunately, the state is set on subjecting Mr Meadows to criminal process in Georgia as quickly as it can and without regard to his pending efforts to remove the case to federal court.” “In addition to threatening arrest on Friday — in advance of this court’s Monday hearing — the state has also sought a scheduling order that would proceed exceptionally fast for a 19-defendant, 41-count prosecution,” they added. Trump faces $200K bond, orders not to make threats in case Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House next year, has been accused of violating Georgia law by running a criminal enterprise to stay in office after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden. The former president faces a $200,000 bond and has orders not to send threatening social media messages as he awaits trial in the case. The document, a bond agreement signed by Trump's attorneys and Fulton Country District Attorney Fani Willis, sets out release terms, including restrictions on intimidating witnesses and obstructing justice. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Georgia election case: Trump ally Meadows asks judge to block his arrest

<p>Donald Trump has declared that, on Thursday, he will turn himself in&nbsp;to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Writing on his platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump labelled the trial a 'Witch Hunt' and said&nbsp;that he would be "ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis," the Georgia official behind the fourth indictment against the former president.</p>

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<p>This comes just hours after&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;agreed to a USD 200,000 bond that, among other release conditions, includes a restriction on his social media use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bond, as per CNN citing court documents reviewed by it, was agreed upon after the former US president's lawyers met with the Fulton County district attorney’s office on Monday.</p>

<h2><strong>Extensive release conditions</strong></h2>

<p>Reportedly, Trump's bond order is more extensive than those granted to other co-defendants.</p>

<p>The businessman has been explicitly barred from using social media "to target his 18 co-defendants in the case, as well as any witnesses and the 30 un-indicted co-conspirators," reports CNN.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-skip-republican-primary-debates-cites-legendary-lead-in-opinion-polls-627368">Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls</a></strong></p>

<p>Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee's order states that "The Defendant (Donald Trump) shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice."</p>

<p>"The above shall include, but are not limited to, posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media," it specifies.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Bond price and conditions for Donald Trump in the Fulton County, Georgia RICO case have been set.<br />
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Trump will have to pay $200,000 bond and he will have to follow multiple conditions including that he can’t intimidate any co-defendants or witnesses.<br />
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He also can not… <a href="https://t.co/DQPEjZydFn">pic.twitter.com/DQPEjZydFn</a></p>
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdKrassen/status/1693715207502139701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Other bond orders</strong></h2>

<p>While Trump's bond has been set at $200,000, for several other defendants who also had their bond orders approved on Monday, the amount is significantly lower.</p>

<p>John Eastman, a conservative attorney, reached a bond agreement of $100,000 with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-repeats-threat-of-reciprocal-taxes-against-india-if-elected-again-627500">Trump repeats threat of reciprocal taxes against India if elected again</a></strong></p>

<p>Similarly, Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, also came to a bond agreement with Willis, with his bond set at $10,000.</p>

<p>Kenneth Chesebro's bond was set at $100,000, while Ray Smith's bond was set at $50,000.</p>

<p>The bond orders forbid them from communicating with the other 18 co-defendants or any potential witnesses regarding the case. They also include similar terms for release — defendants have been ordered to regularly report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days, this can also be done over the phone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nineteen defendants, including Trump, were indicted in the case last week over their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results. The defendants have been given the deadline of Friday 12 pm ET to turn themselves in.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Donald Trump has declared that, on Thursday, he will turn himself in to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election. Writing on his platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump labelled the trial a 'Witch Hunt' and said that he would be "ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis," the Georgia official behind the fourth indictment against the former president.

Donald Trump has declared that, on Thursday, he will turn himself in to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election. Writing on his platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump labelled the trial a 'Witch Hunt' and said that he would be "ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis," the Georgia official behind the fourth indictment against the former president. × This comes just hours after Trump agreed to a USD 200,000 bond that, among other release conditions, includes a restriction on his social media use. The bond, as per CNN citing court documents reviewed by it, was agreed upon after the former US president's lawyers met with the Fulton County district attorney’s office on Monday. Extensive release conditions Reportedly, Trump's bond order is more extensive than those granted to other co-defendants. The businessman has been explicitly barred from using social media "to target his 18 co-defendants in the case, as well as any witnesses and the 30 un-indicted co-conspirators," reports CNN. Also read | Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee's order states that "The Defendant (Donald Trump) shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice." "The above shall include, but are not limited to, posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media," it specifies. BREAKING: Bond price and conditions for Donald Trump in the Fulton County, Georgia RICO case have been set. Trump will have to pay $200,000 bond and he will have to follow multiple conditions including that he can’t intimidate any co-defendants or witnesses. He also can not… pic.twitter.com/DQPEjZydFn — Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) August 21, 2023 × Other bond orders While Trump's bond has been set at $200,000, for several other defendants who also had their bond orders approved on Monday, the amount is significantly lower. John Eastman, a conservative attorney, reached a bond agreement of $100,000 with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Also read | Trump repeats threat of reciprocal taxes against India if elected again Similarly, Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, also came to a bond agreement with Willis, with his bond set at $10,000. Kenneth Chesebro's bond was set at $100,000, while Ray Smith's bond was set at $50,000. The bond orders forbid them from communicating with the other 18 co-defendants or any potential witnesses regarding the case. They also include similar terms for release — defendants have been ordered to regularly report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days, this can also be done over the phone. Nineteen defendants, including Trump, were indicted in the case last week over their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results. The defendants have been given the deadline of Friday 12 pm ET to turn themselves in. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump's day of reckoning looms as ex-US president declares intent to surrender on Thursday

<p>Donald Trump's co-defendants, John Eastman, and Scott Hall, have surrendered to authorities in Georgia in the racketeering case over their attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per an AFP report citing jail records, Eastman, a former campaign attorney for Trump, and Hall, a bail bondsman, have been booked at the Fulton County Jail.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What they're accused of</strong></h2>

<p>Eastman, who is a constitutional law scholar, has been accused of devising a plan to submit a counterfeit slate of Trump electors to Congress from Georgia, in place of the legitimate Biden electors.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Hall has been charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit election fraud over his alleged involvement in tampering with voting machines in Georgia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-agrees-to-200000-bond-that-forbids-him-from-using-social-media-for-intimidation-627698">Trump's day of reckoning looms, ex-president declares intent to surrender on Thursday</a></strong></p>

<p>The bond for Eastman was set at $100,000, while for Hall the amount was set lower at $10,000.</p>

<p>AFP reports that after being booked, Eastman spoke with reporters, and said that he was "confident that when the law is faithfully applied in this proceeding, all of my co-defendants and I will be fully vindicated."</p>

<p>Further, when he was questioned whether his stance on the election's outcome still aligned with Trump's claims of a stolen election, Eastman said "Absolutely," and that there's "No question in my mind."</p>

<h2><strong>When will Trump surrender?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump, as per reports, is expected to turn himself in at the same Atlanta jail on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Writing on his platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump labelled the trial a 'Witch Hunt' and said that he would be "ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis," the Georgia official behind the fourth indictment against the former president.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-skip-republican-primary-debates-cites-legendary-lead-in-opinion-polls-627368">Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls</a></strong></p>

<p>He will be facing charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee set bond for the former president at $200,000. Among other release conditions, the bond includes a restriction on his social media use "to target his 18 co-defendants in the case, as well as any witnesses and the 30 un-indicted co-conspirators."</p>

<p>Trump and his 18 co-conspirators have been given till noon on Thursday to turn themselves in.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Donald Trump's co-defendants, John Eastman, and Scott Hall, have surrendered to authorities in Georgia in the racketeering case over their attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

Donald Trump's co-defendants, John Eastman, and Scott Hall, have surrendered to authorities in Georgia in the racketeering case over their attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. As per an AFP report citing jail records, Eastman, a former campaign attorney for Trump, and Hall, a bail bondsman, have been booked at the Fulton County Jail. What they're accused of Eastman, who is a constitutional law scholar, has been accused of devising a plan to submit a counterfeit slate of Trump electors to Congress from Georgia, in place of the legitimate Biden electors. Meanwhile, Hall has been charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit election fraud over his alleged involvement in tampering with voting machines in Georgia. Also read | Trump's day of reckoning looms, ex-president declares intent to surrender on Thursday The bond for Eastman was set at $100,000, while for Hall the amount was set lower at $10,000. AFP reports that after being booked, Eastman spoke with reporters, and said that he was "confident that when the law is faithfully applied in this proceeding, all of my co-defendants and I will be fully vindicated." Further, when he was questioned whether his stance on the election's outcome still aligned with Trump's claims of a stolen election, Eastman said "Absolutely," and that there's "No question in my mind." When will Trump surrender? Trump, as per reports, is expected to turn himself in at the same Atlanta jail on Thursday. Writing on his platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump labelled the trial a 'Witch Hunt' and said that he would be "ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis," the Georgia official behind the fourth indictment against the former president. Also read | Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls He will be facing charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential elections. On Monday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee set bond for the former president at $200,000. Among other release conditions, the bond includes a restriction on his social media use "to target his 18 co-defendants in the case, as well as any witnesses and the 30 un-indicted co-conspirators." Trump and his 18 co-conspirators have been given till noon on Thursday to turn themselves in. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump's co-defendants turn themselves in; Eastman and Hall booked in Georgia jail

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidzjls9bwGFx6W" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump, who will surrender on Thursday (August 24) to face charges in the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-surrender-to-authorities-in-georgia-tomorrow-which-jail-is-he-likely-to-go-628379">2020 US presidential election case</a></strong>, is expected to do so at a jail in Atlanta where conditions are so notorious they are under investigation by the Justice Department. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday, the standard booking procedure is for a defendant to be fingerprinted and to have a mugshot taken before they are released on bond -- which has already been set at $200,000 in Trump's case.</p>

<p>During his three previous arrests this year, Trump did not have to undergo having a mugshot taken. However, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat told reporters earlier in August, that when it comes to booking at his jail, "it doesn't matter your status." "We have a mug shot ready for you," Labat added.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's fundraising appeal</strong></h2>

<p>Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump confirmed he would be going to Atlanta to get arrested, but did not give a time.</p>

<p>In a fundraising appeal, he said it would take place at a jail "which has been described as a 'humanitarian crisis'" where "guards have collected over 1,000 shanks fashioned from the crumbling walls."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-election-case-trump-ally-meadows-asks-judge-to-block-his-arrest-628182">Georgia election case: Trump ally Meadows asks judge to block his arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has set up a tight security perimeter around the facility, closing streets and restricting access. In a statement, the sheriff's office said, "When Former President Trump surrenders: there will be a hard lockdown of the area surrounding the Rice Street Jail, meaning no ingress or egress during that time."</p>

<h2><strong>Govt opens probe into conditions of jail</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, the Justice Department opened an investigation at the Fulton County Jail. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the&nbsp;investigation was being launched based on serious allegations of unsafe, unsanitary living conditions at the prison.</p>

<p>"Recent allegations of filthy housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries, and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a thorough investigation," US Attorney Ryan Buchanan said.</p>

<p>Citing the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AFP reported that the prison houses over 2,500 inmates, double the amount it was originally designed to hold in 1989. Last year, 15 inmates died, the journal said, adding there were four deaths reported in the past five weeks alone.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Former United States president Donald Trump, who will surrender on Thursday (August 24) to face charges in the 2020 US presidential election case, is expected to do so at a jail in Atlanta where conditions are so notorious they are under investigation by the Justice Department.

Former United States president Donald Trump, who will surrender on Thursday (August 24) to face charges in the 2020 US presidential election case, is expected to do so at a jail in Atlanta where conditions are so notorious they are under investigation by the Justice Department. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday, the standard booking procedure is for a defendant to be fingerprinted and to have a mugshot taken before they are released on bond -- which has already been set at $200,000 in Trump's case. During his three previous arrests this year, Trump did not have to undergo having a mugshot taken. However, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat told reporters earlier in August, that when it comes to booking at his jail, "it doesn't matter your status." "We have a mug shot ready for you," Labat added. Trump's fundraising appeal Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump confirmed he would be going to Atlanta to get arrested, but did not give a time. In a fundraising appeal, he said it would take place at a jail "which has been described as a 'humanitarian crisis'" where "guards have collected over 1,000 shanks fashioned from the crumbling walls." Also read | Georgia election case: Trump ally Meadows asks judge to block his arrest The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has set up a tight security perimeter around the facility, closing streets and restricting access. In a statement, the sheriff's office said, "When Former President Trump surrenders: there will be a hard lockdown of the area surrounding the Rice Street Jail, meaning no ingress or egress during that time." Govt opens probe into conditions of jail Last month, the Justice Department opened an investigation at the Fulton County Jail. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the investigation was being launched based on serious allegations of unsafe, unsanitary living conditions at the prison. "Recent allegations of filthy housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries, and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a thorough investigation," US Attorney Ryan Buchanan said. Citing the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AFP reported that the prison houses over 2,500 inmates, double the amount it was originally designed to hold in 1989. Last year, 15 inmates died, the journal said, adding there were four deaths reported in the past five weeks alone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US 2020 election case: Donald Trump expected to be booked at infamous Atlanta Jail

<p>Wagner Group chief&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (August 21) posted his first-ever video address since attempting the coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, earlier this year. In other news, Tropical Storm Hilary has drenched Southern California in flood water after making landfall on Sunday (August 20). The storm is now moving north, putting several states on high alert.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-wagner-chief-prigozhin-releases-first-video-since-failed-coup-against-putin-627709"><strong>Watch | Wagner chief Prigozhin releases first video since failed coup against Putin</strong></a></p>

<p>Months after attempting an unthinkable yet failed military coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Wagner Group chief&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin has appeared in his first video address.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/22/374643-copy-of-untitled-8.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-hilary-after-drenching-southern-california-and-southwest-it-moves-north-627722"><strong>Storm Hilary: After drenching Southern California and Southwest, it moves north</strong></a></p>

<p>Storm Hilary has left the people in Southern California cleaning as the tropical storm flooded streets, toppled trees, downed power lines and triggered mudslides on Monday (August 21). Reports have mentioned that the system marched northward, triggering flood watches and warnings in more than a half dozen states.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/22/374644-tropical-storm-hilary-2.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-departs-for-johannesburg-south-africa-to-attend-15th-brics-summit-627706"><strong>PM Modi departs for South Africa to attend 15th BRICS Summit</strong></a></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (August 22) departed for Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held in Johannesburg under the South African Chairmanship.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/22/374650-succession-2023-08-22t083242027.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-agrees-to-200000-bond-that-forbids-him-from-using-social-media-for-intimidation-627698"><strong>Trump's day of reckoning looms, ex-president declares intent to surrender on Thursday</strong></a></p>

<p>Donald Trump has declared that he will turn himself in&nbsp;to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election on Thursday (August 24).&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/beijings-fruit-diplomacy-turns-sour-as-china-bans-imports-of-taiwanese-mangoes-627688"><strong>Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes</strong></a></p>

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Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (August 21) posted his first-ever video address since attempting the coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, earlier this year.

Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (August 21) posted his first-ever video address since attempting the coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, earlier this year. In other news, Tropical Storm Hilary has drenched Southern California in flood water after making landfall on Sunday (August 20). The storm is now moving north, putting several states on high alert. Watch | Wagner chief Prigozhin releases first video since failed coup against Putin Months after attempting an unthinkable yet failed military coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has appeared in his first video address. Storm Hilary: After drenching Southern California and Southwest, it moves north Storm Hilary has left the people in Southern California cleaning as the tropical storm flooded streets, toppled trees, downed power lines and triggered mudslides on Monday (August 21). Reports have mentioned that the system marched northward, triggering flood watches and warnings in more than a half dozen states. PM Modi departs for South Africa to attend 15th BRICS Summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (August 22) departed for Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held in Johannesburg under the South African Chairmanship. Trump's day of reckoning looms, ex-president declares intent to surrender on Thursday Donald Trump has declared that he will turn himself in to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election on Thursday (August 24). Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes ×

Morning news brief: Wagner chief posts video message, Storm Hilary moves north, and more

<p>Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates, Reuters reported. However, Trump did not specify&nbsp;whether he will opt out of all the Republican debates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He took the decision basis his leading position in the recent opinion polls. It is worth noting that the recent polls reflect the dominance of former president Trump in the Republican quarters.&nbsp;The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll from this month indicated that Trump commands 47 per cent of the Republican vote nationally. Meanwhile, Trump's rival and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a decline of six percentage points from July, settling at 13 per cent. The other debate participants continue to struggle with single-digit levels of support.</p>

<p>This development comes after The New York Times reported that the former president, instead of participating in the upcoming&nbsp;Republican primary debate, will&nbsp;be sitting with former Fox News presenter&nbsp;Tucker Carlson for an online interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, now Trump has put a stop to all the anticipation. Taking to the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The public knows who I am &amp; what a successful Presidency I had."&nbsp;"I will therefore not be doing the debates," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post, the former US president asserted that he has "legendary" numbers in opinion polls and therefore his popularity among voters for the 2024 election makes his participation unnecessary.<img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4AiKQlaEAAYPfC?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" /></p>

<p>Trump has previously hinted at his intention to forego the debate scheduled for Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His rationale is rooted in his belief that granting his Republican competitors the opportunity to launch attacks against him is illogical, given his substantial lead in national polls.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecowas-rejects-niger-coup-leaders-pitch-to-restore-civilian-rule-in-three-years-627364">ECOWAS rejects Niger coup leader's pledge to restore civilian rule in three years</a></p>

<h2><strong>DeSantis' response</strong></h2>

<p>By abstaining from this week's debate, Trump could potentially shift the focus of criticism by other Republicans towards DeSantis. This scenario might prompt other candidates to position themselves as viable alternatives to the former president.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-president-ramaphosa-calls-for-unsc-reform-sets-pitch-for-brics-expansion-ahead-of-summit-627366">South Africa's President Ramaphosa calls for UNSC reform, sets pitch for BRICS expansion ahead of summit</a></p>

<p>The ultimate winner of the Republican nomination will face Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for DeSantis' campaign Andrew Romeo, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "No one is entitled to this nomination, including Donald Trump. You have to show up and earn it."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan: President Arif Alvi denies signing of key laws</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Ongoing legal situation</strong></h2>

<p>Parallel to these political developments, Trump faces a deadline of Friday to voluntarily surrender in Fulton County, Georgia. He was recently indicted for the fourth time on charges related to an alleged scheme aimed at overturning his 2020 election.</p>

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Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates, Reuters reported. However, Trump did not specify whether he will opt out of all the Republican debates.

Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates, Reuters reported. However, Trump did not specify whether he will opt out of all the Republican debates. He took the decision basis his leading position in the recent opinion polls. It is worth noting that the recent polls reflect the dominance of former president Trump in the Republican quarters. The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll from this month indicated that Trump commands 47 per cent of the Republican vote nationally. Meanwhile, Trump's rival and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a decline of six percentage points from July, settling at 13 per cent. The other debate participants continue to struggle with single-digit levels of support. This development comes after The New York Times reported that the former president, instead of participating in the upcoming Republican primary debate, will be sitting with former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson for an online interview. However, now Trump has put a stop to all the anticipation. Taking to the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had." "I will therefore not be doing the debates," he added. In the post, the former US president asserted that he has "legendary" numbers in opinion polls and therefore his popularity among voters for the 2024 election makes his participation unnecessary. Trump has previously hinted at his intention to forego the debate scheduled for Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His rationale is rooted in his belief that granting his Republican competitors the opportunity to launch attacks against him is illogical, given his substantial lead in national polls. Also Read | ECOWAS rejects Niger coup leader's pledge to restore civilian rule in three years DeSantis' response By abstaining from this week's debate, Trump could potentially shift the focus of criticism by other Republicans towards DeSantis. This scenario might prompt other candidates to position themselves as viable alternatives to the former president. Also Read | South Africa's President Ramaphosa calls for UNSC reform, sets pitch for BRICS expansion ahead of summit The ultimate winner of the Republican nomination will face Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election. A spokesperson for DeSantis' campaign Andrew Romeo, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "No one is entitled to this nomination, including Donald Trump. You have to show up and earn it." Watch | Pakistan: President Arif Alvi denies signing of key laws × Ongoing legal situation Parallel to these political developments, Trump faces a deadline of Friday to voluntarily surrender in Fulton County, Georgia. He was recently indicted for the fourth time on charges related to an alleged scheme aimed at overturning his 2020 election. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls

The race for the White House is heating up, the Republican Presidential debates are to be held this week. However, front-runner Donald Trump has announced that he won't be taking part.

US Presidential Election: Donald Trump backs out of Republican debates

<p>Donald Trump, the former US President and top&nbsp;hopeful to claim Republican nomination for a tenure in the White House during upcoming US presidential elections, will reportedly skip the initial Republican primary debate. Instead, Trump would have a one-on-one interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.</p>

<p>Trump claims a strong support from his core group of Republican support-base. But his presidential bid has been overshadowed by an array of criminal cases and the distinction of him being the most indicted former president in the US history.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Trump intends to skip Republican Party primary debate?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has expressed his inclination to potentially skip the Fox News debate event in Milwaukee due to his concerns about sharing the stage with lower-polling rivals.</p>

<p>On his Truth Social account, Trump posted, "I hold a lead of over 50 points against the runner-up, whoever that may be. Reagan and others didn't do it. People are familiar with my exceptional record, one of the best ever. So why should I participate in the debate?"</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-widens-lead-over-desantis-with-record-54-per-cent-support-even-as-legal-challenges-mount-621349">Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount</a></strong></p>

<p>While the exact timing of Trump's interview with Tucker Carlson is yet to be determined, but the New York Times reported that it will coincide with the Republican primary debate on Wednesday, August 26.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Regardless of his physical presence, Donald Trump will remain open to criticism from opponents in relation to&nbsp;the four criminal and three civil trials he is currently facing.</p>

<p>These legal battles span the periods before, during, and after his presidency and are associated with a number&nbsp;of scandals.</p>

<p>Fox News host Bret Baier remarked, "All the candidates have been continuously questioned about the courtroom proceedings across the nation. Therefore, whether he attends or not, he will be a topic in this debate."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Donald Trump indicted in 4th case | Will this hamper Trump's Presidential bid?</strong></p>

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<p>Baier's comment reflects&nbsp;the sentiment that Trump's presence or absence won't diminish the attention on him during the debate.</p>

<p>The Republican National Committee has informed Donald Trump that he must make a final decision by Monday if he wishes to secure a spot on the stage.</p>

<p>The Fox News team is reportedly working on two stages for the Grand Old Party (GOP) debate. One, if Trump ends up attending and other if he does not.&nbsp;</p>

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Donald Trump, the former US President and top hopeful to claim Republican nomination for a tenure in the White House during upcoming US presidential elections, will reportedly skip the initial Republican primary debate.

Donald Trump, the former US President and top hopeful to claim Republican nomination for a tenure in the White House during upcoming US presidential elections, will reportedly skip the initial Republican primary debate. Instead, Trump would have a one-on-one interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Trump claims a strong support from his core group of Republican support-base. But his presidential bid has been overshadowed by an array of criminal cases and the distinction of him being the most indicted former president in the US history. Why Trump intends to skip Republican Party primary debate? Trump has expressed his inclination to potentially skip the Fox News debate event in Milwaukee due to his concerns about sharing the stage with lower-polling rivals. On his Truth Social account, Trump posted, "I hold a lead of over 50 points against the runner-up, whoever that may be. Reagan and others didn't do it. People are familiar with my exceptional record, one of the best ever. So why should I participate in the debate?" Also read | Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount While the exact timing of Trump's interview with Tucker Carlson is yet to be determined, but the New York Times reported that it will coincide with the Republican primary debate on Wednesday, August 26. What does it mean? Regardless of his physical presence, Donald Trump will remain open to criticism from opponents in relation to the four criminal and three civil trials he is currently facing. These legal battles span the periods before, during, and after his presidency and are associated with a number of scandals. Fox News host Bret Baier remarked, "All the candidates have been continuously questioned about the courtroom proceedings across the nation. Therefore, whether he attends or not, he will be a topic in this debate." Also watch | Gravitas: Donald Trump indicted in 4th case | Will this hamper Trump's Presidential bid? × Baier's comment reflects the sentiment that Trump's presence or absence won't diminish the attention on him during the debate. The Republican National Committee has informed Donald Trump that he must make a final decision by Monday if he wishes to secure a spot on the stage. The Fox News team is reportedly working on two stages for the Grand Old Party (GOP) debate. One, if Trump ends up attending and other if he does not. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Why should I participate': Trump chooses Tucker Carlson over Republican primary debate, says report

<p>A US judge has labelled former president Donald Trump's appeal against his decision, allowing a defamation lawsuit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll “frivolous”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling was made by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Friday (August 18). He also denied Trump's attempt to delay Carroll's case while he pursued an appeal against the June 29 decision — which had concluded that the former president was not entitled to absolute presidential immunity for calling Carroll a liar.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Frivolous’</strong></h2>

<p>Judge Kaplan as per Reuters, remarked, "Mr. Trump has not provided a single reason for the court to find that there is any likelihood that he will succeed on appeal."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-georgia-investigates-threats-against-donald-trump-grand-jury-identified-online-626747">US: Georgia investigates threats against Donald Trump grand jury members identified online</a></strong></p>

<p>"This court certifies that the appeal itself is frivolous,"&nbsp;Kaplan wrote.</p>

<p>If the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan agrees that Trump's appeal is frivolous, in line with federal court procedures, it could potentially order him to pay Carroll damages and costs.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's attempts to&nbsp;delay the case</strong></h2>

<p>Reportedly, in his attempt to secure a stay, the former president had argued that he had a substantial likelihood of proving that Judge Kaplan's June 29 ruling was incorrect. He also claimed that there was "immense public interest" in allowing the appeals court to take a decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, Trump contended that he would suffer irreparable harm if a trial which is scheduled for January 15, 2024 took place before the appeals court's decision.</p>

<p>However, Judge Kaplan rejected Trump's assertions, and said that Carroll deserved her day in court without undue delay due to the businessman's other trials or his upcoming presidential campaign activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/capitol-hill-and-more-former-us-president-donald-trump-and-the-investigations-into-him-505373">Trump Organization, Capitol Hill and more: Former US Prez Donald Trump and the investigations into him</a></strong></p>

<p>The judge also highlighted that Trump's claim of irreparable harm didn't make sense given the delay of over 3.5 years in raising the immunity defence.</p>

<p>"The only purported harm Mr. Trump reasonably may claim he would suffer in this case would be having to stand trial," wrote the judge in his ruling.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump’s legal troubles</strong></h2>

<p>This lawsuit is just one in a series of legal challenges faced by 77-year-old Donald Trump.&nbsp;In addition to Carroll's defamation cases, Trump,&nbsp;who is currently a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination,&nbsp;is grappling with four separate criminal indictments, two of which are related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election loss.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump vs Carroll</strong></h2>

<p>77-year-old E. Jean Carroll, sued Trump in November 2019. She alleged that during the mid-1990s&nbsp;the businessman had raped her in a department store dressing room in Manhattan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, on May 9, in a separate verdict, a jury held Trump liable for $5 million in damages in response to Carroll's claim of sexual abuse and defamation. Trump has also appealed that verdict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A US judge has labelled former president Donald Trump's appeal against his decision, allowing a defamation lawsuit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll “frivolous”. The ruling was made by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Friday (August 18).

A US judge has labelled former president Donald Trump's appeal against his decision, allowing a defamation lawsuit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll “frivolous”. The ruling was made by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Friday (August 18). He also denied Trump's attempt to delay Carroll's case while he pursued an appeal against the June 29 decision — which had concluded that the former president was not entitled to absolute presidential immunity for calling Carroll a liar. ‘Frivolous’ Judge Kaplan as per Reuters, remarked, "Mr. Trump has not provided a single reason for the court to find that there is any likelihood that he will succeed on appeal." Also read | US: Georgia investigates threats against Donald Trump grand jury members identified online "This court certifies that the appeal itself is frivolous," Kaplan wrote. If the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan agrees that Trump's appeal is frivolous, in line with federal court procedures, it could potentially order him to pay Carroll damages and costs. Trump's attempts to delay the case Reportedly, in his attempt to secure a stay, the former president had argued that he had a substantial likelihood of proving that Judge Kaplan's June 29 ruling was incorrect. He also claimed that there was "immense public interest" in allowing the appeals court to take a decision. Furthermore, Trump contended that he would suffer irreparable harm if a trial which is scheduled for January 15, 2024 took place before the appeals court's decision. However, Judge Kaplan rejected Trump's assertions, and said that Carroll deserved her day in court without undue delay due to the businessman's other trials or his upcoming presidential campaign activities. Also read | Trump Organization, Capitol Hill and more: Former US Prez Donald Trump and the investigations into him The judge also highlighted that Trump's claim of irreparable harm didn't make sense given the delay of over 3.5 years in raising the immunity defence. "The only purported harm Mr. Trump reasonably may claim he would suffer in this case would be having to stand trial," wrote the judge in his ruling. Trump’s legal troubles This lawsuit is just one in a series of legal challenges faced by 77-year-old Donald Trump. In addition to Carroll's defamation cases, Trump, who is currently a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is grappling with four separate criminal indictments, two of which are related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election loss. Trump vs Carroll 77-year-old E. Jean Carroll, sued Trump in November 2019. She alleged that during the mid-1990s the businessman had raped her in a department store dressing room in Manhattan. Previously, on May 9, in a separate verdict, a jury held Trump liable for $5 million in damages in response to Carroll's claim of sexual abuse and defamation. Trump has also appealed that verdict. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Judge labels Trump's appeal 'frivolous' in E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit

<p>Lawyers for Donald Trump on Thursday (August 17) asked a federal judge in Washington to schedule an April 2026 trial for the former president regarding the federal charges that he allegedly attempted to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A filing showed that Trump requested US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC, to reject the proposal of Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the subversion allegations.</p>

<p>Judge Chutkan is set to decide the trial date on August 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hillary-clinton-felt-great-profound-sadness-over-donald-trumps-multiple-legal-woes-625922">Hillary Clinton feels 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple indictments</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Smith is pushing for a January 2 start date in the case, one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump is facing. But the trial might impact his election presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by US media outlets, Trumps said that he "seeks a trial calendar more rapid than most no-document misdemeanours, requesting just four months from the beginning of discovery to jury selection."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The government's objective is clear: to deny President Trump and his counsel a fair ability to prepare for trial. The Court should deny the government's request," Trump's lawyers wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-indicted-over-2020-election-interference-in-georgia-625533">Donald Trump indicted over 2020 election interference in Georgia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"The public interest lies in justice and fair trial, not a rush to judgment," the ex-president's lawyers said and also argued the amount of documents in the case would require months to process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said: "Assuming we could begin reviewing the documents today, we would need to proceed at a pace of 99,762 pages per day to finish the government's initial production by its proposed date for jury selection."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That is the entirety of Tolstoy's War and Peace, cover to cover, 78 times a day, every day, from now until jury selection," the filling added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US court limits access to abortion pills: Biden administration to appeal against ruling&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What did Smith say?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Smith has asked for a January start to&nbsp;the trial. He previously said in a court filing that the "government's proposed (January 2) trial date represents an appropriate balance of the defendant's right to prepare a defence and the public's strong interest in a speedy trial in the case."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case is the most serious of four criminal investigations that have led to dozens of felony charges against Trump, including accusations that he attempted to circumvent campaign finance laws by concealing payments to a porn star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government also accuses Trump of mishandling dozens of classified documents he took from the White House as he left office, including military plans and nuclear secrets, and plotting with his staff to hide them from investigators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Lawyers for Donald Trump on Thursday (August 17) asked a federal judge in Washington to schedule an April 2026 trial for the former president regarding the federal charges that he allegedly attempted to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Lawyers for Donald Trump on Thursday (August 17) asked a federal judge in Washington to schedule an April 2026 trial for the former president regarding the federal charges that he allegedly attempted to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. A filing showed that Trump requested US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC, to reject the proposal of Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the subversion allegations. Judge Chutkan is set to decide the trial date on August 28. Also read: Hillary Clinton feels 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple indictments Smith is pushing for a January 2 start date in the case, one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump is facing. But the trial might impact his election presidential campaign. As quoted by US media outlets, Trumps said that he "seeks a trial calendar more rapid than most no-document misdemeanours, requesting just four months from the beginning of discovery to jury selection." "The government's objective is clear: to deny President Trump and his counsel a fair ability to prepare for trial. The Court should deny the government's request," Trump's lawyers wrote. Also read: Donald Trump indicted over 2020 election interference in Georgia "The public interest lies in justice and fair trial, not a rush to judgment," the ex-president's lawyers said and also argued the amount of documents in the case would require months to process. They said: "Assuming we could begin reviewing the documents today, we would need to proceed at a pace of 99,762 pages per day to finish the government's initial production by its proposed date for jury selection." "That is the entirety of Tolstoy's War and Peace, cover to cover, 78 times a day, every day, from now until jury selection," the filling added. Watch: US court limits access to abortion pills: Biden administration to appeal against ruling × What did Smith say? Smith has asked for a January start to the trial. He previously said in a court filing that the "government's proposed (January 2) trial date represents an appropriate balance of the defendant's right to prepare a defence and the public's strong interest in a speedy trial in the case." The case is the most serious of four criminal investigations that have led to dozens of felony charges against Trump, including accusations that he attempted to circumvent campaign finance laws by concealing payments to a porn star. The government also accuses Trump of mishandling dozens of classified documents he took from the White House as he left office, including military plans and nuclear secrets, and plotting with his staff to hide them from investigators. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Donald Trump requests April 2026 date for 2020 election interference trial

<p>Officials in the US state of Georgia are investigating online threats made against members of the grand jury that indicted former United States President Donald Trump’s alleged election interference investigation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-indicted-over-2020-election-interference-in-georgia-625533">on Monday</a>. This comes after personal information including, names and addresses of grand jury members were posted online, said the local sheriff’s office.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday (August 17) said that they are working on tracking the origins of threats against grand jury members who, earlier this week, indicted Trump on 13 charges, which included racketeering and election meddling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after personal information, including addresses and photos of the jurors, were reportedly shared on right-wing platforms. Officials in Fulton County, which also includes Atlanta, the state capital, said threats could amount to jury intimidation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our investigators are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to track down the origin of threats in Fulton County and other jurisdictions,” said the sheriff’s office, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “We take this matter very seriously and are coordinating with our law enforcement partners to respond quickly to any credible threat and to ensure the safety of those individuals who carried out their civic duty.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Whose information was supposedly leaked?</strong></h2>

<p>The posts that purportedly share names and addresses of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-is-donald-trumps-georgia-indictment-different-626154">Fulton County grand jury </a>are being tracked by Advance Democracy, a non-profit research organisation whose president, Dan Jones, a former FBI investigator and a part of the Senate intelligence committee told Reuters, “Statements by Trump and his allies continue to inspire violent language and threats online.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the group, two NBC reporters who wrote about the grand jury incident also had their purported addresses posted online, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisation has also reportedly tracked posts containing violent rhetoric against the Fulton County district attorney, Fani Willis who oversaw the over two-year investigation regarding the alleged efforts made by Trump and 18 others to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group has also called on the Fulton County police to take the matter “seriously”.<br />
<br />
“The latest threats against jury members shows you don’t have to be a politician or government official to be the target,” said Jones. He added, “Equally important is that political leaders on the right denounce these threats and the statements that inspire them.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump’s case in Georgia</strong></h2>

<p>In a recent update about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-requests-april-2026-trial-date-for-election-interference-trial-626587">the case</a>, lawyers for Trump on Thursday (August 17) asked a federal judge in Washington to schedule an April 2026 trial for the former president regarding the federal charges against his alleged attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month after the indictment by the US Special Counsel Jack Smith against Trump, the former president lashed out on his social media platform, Truth Social, and said “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 98-page Georgia indictment on Monday listed 19 defendants and 41 criminal counts and while the document is available as a public record and does include the names of grand jurors but not their addresses or any other personally identifiable information.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Officials in the US state of Georgia are investigating online threats made against members of the grand jury that indicted former United States President Donald Trump’s alleged election interference investigation, on Monday.

Officials in the US state of Georgia are investigating online threats made against members of the grand jury that indicted former United States President Donald Trump’s alleged election interference investigation, on Monday. This comes after personal information including, names and addresses of grand jury members were posted online, said the local sheriff’s office. What happened? The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday (August 17) said that they are working on tracking the origins of threats against grand jury members who, earlier this week, indicted Trump on 13 charges, which included racketeering and election meddling. This comes after personal information, including addresses and photos of the jurors, were reportedly shared on right-wing platforms. Officials in Fulton County, which also includes Atlanta, the state capital, said threats could amount to jury intimidation. “Our investigators are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to track down the origin of threats in Fulton County and other jurisdictions,” said the sheriff’s office, in a statement. It added, “We take this matter very seriously and are coordinating with our law enforcement partners to respond quickly to any credible threat and to ensure the safety of those individuals who carried out their civic duty.” Whose information was supposedly leaked? The posts that purportedly share names and addresses of the Fulton County grand jury are being tracked by Advance Democracy, a non-profit research organisation whose president, Dan Jones, a former FBI investigator and a part of the Senate intelligence committee told Reuters, “Statements by Trump and his allies continue to inspire violent language and threats online.” According to the group, two NBC reporters who wrote about the grand jury incident also had their purported addresses posted online, reported Reuters. The organisation has also reportedly tracked posts containing violent rhetoric against the Fulton County district attorney, Fani Willis who oversaw the over two-year investigation regarding the alleged efforts made by Trump and 18 others to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The group has also called on the Fulton County police to take the matter “seriously”. “The latest threats against jury members shows you don’t have to be a politician or government official to be the target,” said Jones. He added, “Equally important is that political leaders on the right denounce these threats and the statements that inspire them.” Trump’s case in Georgia In a recent update about the case, lawyers for Trump on Thursday (August 17) asked a federal judge in Washington to schedule an April 2026 trial for the former president regarding the federal charges against his alleged attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Earlier this month after the indictment by the US Special Counsel Jack Smith against Trump, the former president lashed out on his social media platform, Truth Social, and said “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!” The 98-page Georgia indictment on Monday listed 19 defendants and 41 criminal counts and while the document is available as a public record and does include the names of grand jurors but not their addresses or any other personally identifiable information. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Georgia investigates threats against Donald Trump grand jury members identified online

Americans are deeply divided along party lines in their views of President Donald Trump’s actions in the most recent criminal cases brought against him, a new poll shows from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, with about half saying his alleged attempt to interfere in Georgia’s 2020 vote count was illegal. To know more watch this interview with a Media Fellow from the Gold Institute for International Strategy, Adelle Nazarian.

Trump more popular among Republicans, less among voters

Americans are deeply divided along party lines in their views of President Donald Trump’s actions in the most recent criminal cases brought against him, a new poll shows from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, with about half saying his alleged attempt to interfere in Georgia’s 2020 vote count was illegal.

AP-NORC survey reveals mixed sentiments for ex-president Trump

Donald Trump has been indicted for the 4th time. The case concerns Trump's alleged efforts to overturn his election defeat in Georgia. Is this the end of the road for Trump? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Donald Trump indicted in 4th case | Will this hamper Trump's Presidential bid?

<p>Hillary Clinton, the former senator, said that she did not "feel any satisfaction" after Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes. She said that she felt "great profound sadness".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump was indicted after a two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia.&nbsp;This is the fourth criminal case to be brought against him this year, the second case to allege that he tried to subvert the results of the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the indictment "rigged" and a "witch hunt".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clinton, who was secretary of state and presidential nominee, was invited to MSNBC to talk about a recent article in the Atlantic about the issue of loneliness in US society. Meanwhile, information about Trump's most recent indictments for interfering with an election in Georgia in 2020 surfaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-attends-ramayana-recitation-by-indian-preacher-morari-bapu-at-cambridge-university-625886">Rishi Sunak attends Ramayana recitation by Indian preacher Morari Bapu at Cambridge University</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>She said laughing: "I didn't think that [the appearance] would be under these circumstances, yet another set of indictments."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added: "It's hard to believe. I don't feel any satisfaction. I 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."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grand jury met for roughly 10 hours before handing up charges. Prosecutors charged 18 other people, including Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case stems from a Jan 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state, but the request was declined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 6, 2021, four days later, Trump's supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-9-year-old-child-fatally-shoots-6-year-old-in-florida-police-say-625917">A 9-year-old child fatally shoots 6-year-old in Florida, police say</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Clinton further added: "If you stop and think about what the public evidence is … [Trump] set out to defraud the United States of America and the citizens of our nation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He used tactics, harassment, intimidation, he made threats, he and his allies went after state officials, local officials responsible for conducting elections. Now we know they even went into voting machines in order to determine whether or not those voting machines had somehow been breached when they were the ones actually doing the breaching," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Georgia election fraud case: Trump aide files motion to transfer case&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"So there is a great deal already in the public record … clearly this investigation has been very thorough. But I don't know that anybody should be satisfied with this. This is a terrible moment for our country to have a former president accused of these terribly important crimes," she further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clinton also said that the only satisfaction may be that the "system is working". "That all of the efforts by Donald Trump his allies and his enablers to try to silence the truth, to try to undermine democracy, have been brought into the light and justice is being pursued," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hillary Clinton, the former senator, said that she did not "feel any satisfaction" after Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes.

Hillary Clinton, the former senator, said that she did not "feel any satisfaction" after Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes. She said that she felt "great profound sadness". Trump was indicted after a two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia. This is the fourth criminal case to be brought against him this year, the second case to allege that he tried to subvert the results of the vote. However, Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the indictment "rigged" and a "witch hunt". Clinton, who was secretary of state and presidential nominee, was invited to MSNBC to talk about a recent article in the Atlantic about the issue of loneliness in US society. Meanwhile, information about Trump's most recent indictments for interfering with an election in Georgia in 2020 surfaced. Also read: Rishi Sunak attends Ramayana recitation by Indian preacher Morari Bapu at Cambridge University She said laughing: "I didn't think that [the appearance] would be under these circumstances, yet another set of indictments." She added: "It's hard to believe. I don't feel any satisfaction. I 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." The grand jury met for roughly 10 hours before handing up charges. Prosecutors charged 18 other people, including Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman. The case stems from a Jan 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state, but the request was declined. On January 6, 2021, four days later, Trump's supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory. Also read: A 9-year-old child fatally shoots 6-year-old in Florida, police say Clinton further added: "If you stop and think about what the public evidence is … [Trump] set out to defraud the United States of America and the citizens of our nation." "He used tactics, harassment, intimidation, he made threats, he and his allies went after state officials, local officials responsible for conducting elections. Now we know they even went into voting machines in order to determine whether or not those voting machines had somehow been breached when they were the ones actually doing the breaching," she added. Watch: Georgia election fraud case: Trump aide files motion to transfer case × "So there is a great deal already in the public record … clearly this investigation has been very thorough. But I don't know that anybody should be satisfied with this. This is a terrible moment for our country to have a former president accused of these terribly important crimes," she further said. Clinton also said that the only satisfaction may be that the "system is working". "That all of the efforts by Donald Trump his allies and his enablers to try to silence the truth, to try to undermine democracy, have been brought into the light and justice is being pursued," she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hillary Clinton feels 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple indictments

<p>Former US president Donald Trump will get just 10 days to surrender to face accusations that he, along with others ran a “criminal enterprise” in order to reverse results of 2020 US Presidential Election in Georgia, reported The New York Times. The 41-count indictment also has charges against some of Trump's most prominent advisers. These include Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former personal lawyer and Mark Meadows, former chief of staff at the White House.</p>

<p>This has now brought the count of indictments against Trump to four. This is likely to create impediments in his way to seek re-election in 2024 US Presidential Election 2024. Trump is currently a frontrunner to win Republican Party nomination.</p>

<p>Trump (77) may have to juggle campaign events with court appearances as several hearings have been scheduled in the year 2024.</p>

<p>Trump has been claiming that the slew of federal and state charges filed against him are politically motivated and is a plot by Democratic President Joe Biden to create obstacles in his path.</p>

<p>"How can my corrupt political opponent crooked Joe Biden put me on trial during an election campaign that I'm winning by a lot?" the billionaire real estate tycoon said at a campaign rally in New Hampshire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump said he was being forced to "spend time and money away from the campaign trail in order to fight bogus made-up accusations and charges."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has decried the legal troubles but has also sought to turn them into advantage. He has appealed for donations and has claimed that the allegations against him have only increased his popularity.</p>

<p>"Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are times that this indeed looks like the case, at least within the Republican rank and file and voters, the loyal support base of Trump.</p>

<p>Jordan Tama, an associate professor at American University, said the upcoming criminal trials facing the former president are "certainly going to complicate Trump's campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He may need to leave the campaign trail at times to participate in the legal processes," Tama said, and divert some of his campaign cash to his burgeoning legal fees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But it's not really clear that having to participate in these trials is going to alter the contours of the election from a broad political standpoint," he said. The standing of the key candidates has remained largely unchanged, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was quoted by AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former US president Donald Trump will get just 10 days to surrender to face accusations that he, along with others ran a “criminal enterprise” in order to reverse results of 2020 US Presidential Election in Georgia, reported The New York Times.

Former US president Donald Trump will get just 10 days to surrender to face accusations that he, along with others ran a “criminal enterprise” in order to reverse results of 2020 US Presidential Election in Georgia, reported The New York Times. The 41-count indictment also has charges against some of Trump's most prominent advisers. These include Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former personal lawyer and Mark Meadows, former chief of staff at the White House. This has now brought the count of indictments against Trump to four. This is likely to create impediments in his way to seek re-election in 2024 US Presidential Election 2024. Trump is currently a frontrunner to win Republican Party nomination. Trump (77) may have to juggle campaign events with court appearances as several hearings have been scheduled in the year 2024. Trump has been claiming that the slew of federal and state charges filed against him are politically motivated and is a plot by Democratic President Joe Biden to create obstacles in his path. "How can my corrupt political opponent crooked Joe Biden put me on trial during an election campaign that I'm winning by a lot?" the billionaire real estate tycoon said at a campaign rally in New Hampshire. Trump said he was being forced to "spend time and money away from the campaign trail in order to fight bogus made-up accusations and charges." Trump has decried the legal troubles but has also sought to turn them into advantage. He has appealed for donations and has claimed that the allegations against him have only increased his popularity. "Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls," he said. There are times that this indeed looks like the case, at least within the Republican rank and file and voters, the loyal support base of Trump. Jordan Tama, an associate professor at American University, said the upcoming criminal trials facing the former president are "certainly going to complicate Trump's campaign. "He may need to leave the campaign trail at times to participate in the legal processes," Tama said, and divert some of his campaign cash to his burgeoning legal fees. "But it's not really clear that having to participate in these trials is going to alter the contours of the election from a broad political standpoint," he said. The standing of the key candidates has remained largely unchanged, he added. He was quoted by AFP. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Trump has only 10 days to surrender in Georgia indictment: Report

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes after over a two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case was filed over a Jan 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state, but the request was declined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 6, 2021, four days after the phone call, Trump's supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory. This happened just two weeks before Trump was scheduled to leave office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the indictment "rigged" and a "witch hunt". On his Truth Social platform, he wrote: "Sounds rigged to me! Why didn't they indict 2.5 years ago? Because they wanted to do it right in the middle of my political campaign."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hillary-clinton-felt-great-profound-sadness-over-donald-trumps-multiple-legal-woes-625922">Hillary Clinton feels 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple indictments</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Why is Georgia's indictment different?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Trump has already been charged four times this year, but the Georgia charges may be particularly dangerous for the former president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the only trial that is likely to be carried on television, with the historic proceedings being streamed and transmitted into homes across the United States and around the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main accusation levelled against Trump and the other 18 defendants is that they violated Georgia's version of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) law, which is often used to pursue organised crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis who charged Trump and others said that she wants to hold the trial within the next six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just a few weeks after it was made public that Trump had pushed Georgia's secretary of state to "find" enough votes to overturn his loss in the Peach State, Willis had begun the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Willis made it clear right on that she was looking into any violations of state statutes that prohibit election fraud and lying to authorities, as well as racketeering, conspiracy, and "any involvement in violence or threats" related to the administration of the 2020 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jp-morgan-jeffrey-epstein-ties-went-through-a-sergey-brin-phase-court-documents-reveal-626144">JP Morgan-Jeffrey Epstein ties went through a Sergey Brin phase, court documents reveal</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In the case, other defendants include Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman. The charge against the 18 other defendants is also what makes this case different from the federal case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a column in The New York Times, attorneys Norman Eisen and Amy Lee Copland said: "Willis ties them all together by levying one charge against Mr. Trump and each of the 18 other defendants under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, or RICO, accusing Mr. Trump and his co-conspirators of functioning as a criminal gang."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Georgia indictment is the "first to plumb the full depths, through a state-focused bathyscaph, of the conspiracy" to upend the 2020 election, they said. "That all of this is likely to play out on television only deepens the historic nature of the indictment."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;No plea deal for Hunter Biden: Prosecutors&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What will happen next?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>US-based media outlets reported said that Trump could face up to 20 years in prison for a racketeering charge connected with his attempt to overturn Biden's 2020 Georgia win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump is facing 13 charges altogether in the Georgia case, including making false statements, forgery and soliciting a public offer to violate their oath.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump and his co-defendants are due to surrender to Georgia authorities by August 25. Warrants have been issued for their arrest, and Willis said she wants the case to go to trial within the next six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former president has claimed that he will share an "irrefutable" report next week that will exonerate him in a new indictment by a Georgia grand jury.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The federal charge</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Trump also faces federal charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith for allegedly conspiring to defraud the US with his attempts to upend the election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. A judge is to set a date on August 28 for a trial in the nation's capital, but television cameras are not allowed in federal courtrooms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has entered a not-guilty plea to the federal and New York charges, and he has blamed his Democratic political rivals for filing them in an effort to thwart his campaign to retake the White House.</p>

<p>Regarding a pardon, the indictments in New York and Georgia both include state charges rather than federal ones and if Trump were to win the election next year, he would not be able to pardon himself.</p>

<p>Unlike state convictions, only federal offences are eligible for pardons from US presidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Georgia, a five-member Board of Pardons and Paroles grants pardons rather than the governor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a person cannot get a pardon until at least five years have passed after the end of their prison term, and they must have "lived a law-abiding life" ever since their release.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes after over a two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia.

Former United States president Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes after over a two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia. The case was filed over a Jan 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state, but the request was declined. On January 6, 2021, four days after the phone call, Trump's supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory. This happened just two weeks before Trump was scheduled to leave office. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the indictment "rigged" and a "witch hunt". On his Truth Social platform, he wrote: "Sounds rigged to me! Why didn't they indict 2.5 years ago? Because they wanted to do it right in the middle of my political campaign." Also read: Hillary Clinton feels 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple indictments Why is Georgia's indictment different? Trump has already been charged four times this year, but the Georgia charges may be particularly dangerous for the former president. This is the only trial that is likely to be carried on television, with the historic proceedings being streamed and transmitted into homes across the United States and around the world. The main accusation levelled against Trump and the other 18 defendants is that they violated Georgia's version of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) law, which is often used to pursue organised crime. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis who charged Trump and others said that she wants to hold the trial within the next six months. Just a few weeks after it was made public that Trump had pushed Georgia's secretary of state to "find" enough votes to overturn his loss in the Peach State, Willis had begun the investigation. Willis made it clear right on that she was looking into any violations of state statutes that prohibit election fraud and lying to authorities, as well as racketeering, conspiracy, and "any involvement in violence or threats" related to the administration of the 2020 election. Also read: JP Morgan-Jeffrey Epstein ties went through a Sergey Brin phase, court documents reveal In the case, other defendants include Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman. The charge against the 18 other defendants is also what makes this case different from the federal case. In a column in The New York Times, attorneys Norman Eisen and Amy Lee Copland said: "Willis ties them all together by levying one charge against Mr. Trump and each of the 18 other defendants under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, or RICO, accusing Mr. Trump and his co-conspirators of functioning as a criminal gang." The Georgia indictment is the "first to plumb the full depths, through a state-focused bathyscaph, of the conspiracy" to upend the 2020 election, they said. "That all of this is likely to play out on television only deepens the historic nature of the indictment." Watch: No plea deal for Hunter Biden: Prosecutors × What will happen next? US-based media outlets reported said that Trump could face up to 20 years in prison for a racketeering charge connected with his attempt to overturn Biden's 2020 Georgia win. Trump is facing 13 charges altogether in the Georgia case, including making false statements, forgery and soliciting a public offer to violate their oath. Trump and his co-defendants are due to surrender to Georgia authorities by August 25. Warrants have been issued for their arrest, and Willis said she wants the case to go to trial within the next six months. The former president has claimed that he will share an "irrefutable" report next week that will exonerate him in a new indictment by a Georgia grand jury. The federal charge Trump also faces federal charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith for allegedly conspiring to defraud the US with his attempts to upend the election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. A judge is to set a date on August 28 for a trial in the nation's capital, but television cameras are not allowed in federal courtrooms. Trump has entered a not-guilty plea to the federal and New York charges, and he has blamed his Democratic political rivals for filing them in an effort to thwart his campaign to retake the White House. Regarding a pardon, the indictments in New York and Georgia both include state charges rather than federal ones and if Trump were to win the election next year, he would not be able to pardon himself. Unlike state convictions, only federal offences are eligible for pardons from US presidents. In Georgia, a five-member Board of Pardons and Paroles grants pardons rather than the governor. However, a person cannot get a pardon until at least five years have passed after the end of their prison term, and they must have "lived a law-abiding life" ever since their release. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Why is Donald Trump's Georgia indictment different?

Former US President Donald Trump is in trouble again. As he faces the latest legal troubles in Georgia. But, this time Donald Trump won't be pardoned. Watch this video to know more.

Trump's indictment saga continues: New twist in 2020 Georgia election fraud case

<p>Hunter Biden's attorney, who negotiated a plea agreement for him in the Justice Department's five-year investigation into tax and gun offences, has stepped down. As per a New York Times report, the attorney has taken the step with the intention to testify as a witness on behalf of President Joe Biden's son.</p>

<p>Christopher J. Clark, announced his decision to step down early Tuesday. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing negotiations between the Justice Department and Hunter Biden, which have transformed into a contentious legal battle.</p>

<h2><strong>Holding the Justice Department accountable</strong></h2>

<p>The Justice Department recently stated that a substantial part of the plea agreement is no longer valid. It also hinted at the possibility of indicting Hunter Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response, Christopher J. Clark is asserting that his testimony is crucial to prove that the department is attempting to back down from a legally binding agreement that was designed to put an end to the federal investigation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-could-face-criminal-trial-newly-named-us-special-counsel-says-624757">Hunter Biden could face criminal trial, newly named US special counsel says</a></strong></p>

<p>New legal representation for Hunter Biden has&nbsp;also indicated that Clark's testimony is essential to the negotiation.</p>

<p>"Based on recent developments, it appears that the negotiation and drafting of the plea agreement and diversion agreement will be contested, and Mr Clark is a percipient witness to those issues," said one lawyer in a motion filed on Tuesday.&nbsp;Among his new team is Abbe Lowell, a seasoned lawyer in Washington with a diverse clientele.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Christopher J. Clark?</strong></h2>

<p>Clark has represented Hunter Biden for several years, particularly during investigations led by David C. Weiss, a US attorney appointed by then President Trump to look into his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The investigations delved into various aspects of Hunter Biden's life, including finances, foreign dealings, and drug use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Clark engaged in extensive and intricate negotiations with Weiss's office to forge a deal that was intended to bring an end to the investigation and grant Biden immunity from future prosecution.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-special-counsel-in-us-and-what-role-do-they-play-625449">Explained | What is special counsel in US and what role do they play?</a></strong></p>

<p>Under this deal, Biden had agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanour tax charges arising from his consulting work for overseas companies in China and Ukraine, which, as per the NY Times, were conducted during a period marked by his struggle with drug abuse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Central to the agreement was his enrolment in a two-year diversion program designed for non-violent firearms offenders, coupled with broad immunity from potential future prosecution linked to his activities during that time.</p>

<p>However, at a hearing held late last month, meant to finalise the deal, a judge drew attention to the agreement's complexity and suggested that both parties were attempting to get her to "rubber stamp" an agreement she believed to be legally and constitutionally problematic.&nbsp;This led to disagreements between the prosecution and Biden's legal team. The discord prompted Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to approve the appointment of a special counsel to&nbsp;the matter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hunter Biden's attorney, who negotiated a plea agreement for him in the Justice Department's five-year investigation into tax and gun offences, has stepped down.

Hunter Biden's attorney, who negotiated a plea agreement for him in the Justice Department's five-year investigation into tax and gun offences, has stepped down. As per a New York Times report, the attorney has taken the step with the intention to testify as a witness on behalf of President Joe Biden's son. Christopher J. Clark, announced his decision to step down early Tuesday. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing negotiations between the Justice Department and Hunter Biden, which have transformed into a contentious legal battle. Holding the Justice Department accountable The Justice Department recently stated that a substantial part of the plea agreement is no longer valid. It also hinted at the possibility of indicting Hunter Biden. In response, Christopher J. Clark is asserting that his testimony is crucial to prove that the department is attempting to back down from a legally binding agreement that was designed to put an end to the federal investigation. Also read | Hunter Biden could face criminal trial, newly named US special counsel says New legal representation for Hunter Biden has also indicated that Clark's testimony is essential to the negotiation. "Based on recent developments, it appears that the negotiation and drafting of the plea agreement and diversion agreement will be contested, and Mr Clark is a percipient witness to those issues," said one lawyer in a motion filed on Tuesday. Among his new team is Abbe Lowell, a seasoned lawyer in Washington with a diverse clientele. Who is Christopher J. Clark? Clark has represented Hunter Biden for several years, particularly during investigations led by David C. Weiss, a US attorney appointed by then President Trump to look into his life. The investigations delved into various aspects of Hunter Biden's life, including finances, foreign dealings, and drug use. Earlier this year, Clark engaged in extensive and intricate negotiations with Weiss's office to forge a deal that was intended to bring an end to the investigation and grant Biden immunity from future prosecution. Also read | Explained | What is special counsel in US and what role do they play? Under this deal, Biden had agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanour tax charges arising from his consulting work for overseas companies in China and Ukraine, which, as per the NY Times, were conducted during a period marked by his struggle with drug abuse. Central to the agreement was his enrolment in a two-year diversion program designed for non-violent firearms offenders, coupled with broad immunity from potential future prosecution linked to his activities during that time. However, at a hearing held late last month, meant to finalise the deal, a judge drew attention to the agreement's complexity and suggested that both parties were attempting to get her to "rubber stamp" an agreement she believed to be legally and constitutionally problematic. This led to disagreements between the prosecution and Biden's legal team. The discord prompted Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to approve the appointment of a special counsel to the matter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hunter Biden's lawyer steps down, to testify as witness in DOJ investigation

Former US President Donald Trump and 18 others have been indicted on a range of criminal charges - Trump's alleged attempts to alter Georgia's 2020 election results. He maintains that he has been targeted.

Georgia election fraud case: Trump aide files motion to transfer case | World DNA

Former US president Donald Trump has been indicted again. This is the fourth indictment Trump is facing less than an hour after a grand jury in Atlanta returned indictments. Democrat leader Hillary Clinton has called the development a terrible moment for our country.

Hillary Clinton calls Trump indictments 'terrible moments for out country'

Former US President Donald Trump is in trouble again. As he faces the latest legal troubles in Georgia. But, this time Donald Trump won't be pardoned.

Why Former US President Donald Trump cannot seek a Pardon to make charges in Georgia Go Away

<p>Brian Kemp, the Republican governor of Georgia, on Tuesday took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to insist that the 2020 presidential election in his state "was not stolen".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seemingly, the post was made in response to the recent criminal indictment of Donald Trump. Kemp was responding to an earlier post made by the former US President on his social media platform, Truth Social.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's claims</strong></h2>

<p>In his post, Trump announced a press conference next week. He also pledged that he will present "irrefutable" evidence of election fraud at the media event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-indicted-over-2020-election-interference-in-georgia-625533">Donald Trump indicted over 2020 election interference in Georgia</a></strong></p>

<p>Responding to this, Kemp wrote: "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."</p>

<p>"Our elections in Georgia are secure, accessible, and fair and will continue to be as long as I am governor. The future of our country is at stake in 2024 and that must be our focus," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Another Trump indictment looms as grand jury hears election case</strong></p>

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<p>Chris Christie, the former Republican governor of New Jersey, who is also part of the 2024 presidential race,&nbsp;supported Kemp's post and said: "This is a strong leader telling the truth. Others should try it."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a strong leader telling the truth. Others should try it. <a href="https://t.co/Tk9Oc1NqdR">https://t.co/Tk9Oc1NqdR</a></p>
— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovChristie/status/1691540390682173443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Trump vs Kemp</strong></h2>

<p>This is reportedly the second time in less than a week that Kemp has taken on Trump on X. He previously criticised the former president for refusing to pledge support to the eventual 2024 Republican presidential nominee, and accused him of putting himself "ahead of the future of our country".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-potential-witness-not-to-testify-against-him-625479">Donald Trump tells potential witness not to testify against him</a></strong></p>

<p>The Guardian reported that Trump has previously criticised Kemp and Georgia's Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, in relation to his claims of election fraud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversial phone call to Raffensperger from January 2021, during which Trump urged officials to "find" enough votes to overturn Joe Biden's victory, is believed to have played a role in Monday's indictment of Trump on charges including forgery and racketeering.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Brian Kemp, the Republican governor of Georgia, on Tuesday took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to insist that the 2020 presidential election in his state "was not stolen".

Brian Kemp, the Republican governor of Georgia, on Tuesday took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to insist that the 2020 presidential election in his state "was not stolen". Seemingly, the post was made in response to the recent criminal indictment of Donald Trump. Kemp was responding to an earlier post made by the former US President on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump's claims In his post, Trump announced a press conference next week. He also pledged that he will present "irrefutable" evidence of election fraud at the media event. Also read | Donald Trump indicted over 2020 election interference in Georgia Responding to this, Kemp wrote: "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." "Our elections in Georgia are secure, accessible, and fair and will continue to be as long as I am governor. The future of our country is at stake in 2024 and that must be our focus," he added. Watch | US: Another Trump indictment looms as grand jury hears election case Chris Christie, the former Republican governor of New Jersey, who is also part of the 2024 presidential race, supported Kemp's post and said: "This is a strong leader telling the truth. Others should try it." This is a strong leader telling the truth. Others should try it. https://t.co/Tk9Oc1NqdR — Chris Christie (@GovChristie) August 15, 2023 × Trump vs Kemp This is reportedly the second time in less than a week that Kemp has taken on Trump on X. He previously criticised the former president for refusing to pledge support to the eventual 2024 Republican presidential nominee, and accused him of putting himself "ahead of the future of our country". Also read | Donald Trump tells potential witness not to testify against him The Guardian reported that Trump has previously criticised Kemp and Georgia's Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, in relation to his claims of election fraud. The controversial phone call to Raffensperger from January 2021, during which Trump urged officials to "find" enough votes to overturn Joe Biden's victory, is believed to have played a role in Monday's indictment of Trump on charges including forgery and racketeering. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp refutes Donald Trump's allegations of election theft

Legal troubles for Donald Trump just keep piling on according to reports Atlanta area prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia are in possession of text messages and emails directly connected to the members of Donald Trump's legal team related to the voting system breach in Coffee County.

Former US President Donald Trump charged with 13 felony counts | World News | WION

<p>Despite being warned by a judge about refraining from publicly discussing the January 6 riots case against him, Donald Trump appeared to tell a potential witness in a similar Georgia state case to not testify.</p>

<p>Taking to his social media site, Truth Social on Monday (Aug 14), Trump asked Georgia’s former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan not to testify before a grand jury in Fulton County that is expected to hand down an indictment against Trump soon.</p>

<p>“He shouldn’t. I barely know him but he was, right from the beginning of this Witch Hunt, a nasty disaster for those looking into the Election Fraud that took place in Georgia,” Trump wrote.</p>

<p>Trump then went on to deny that he didn’t tamper with the election.</p>

<p>“No, I didn’t tamper with the election! Those who rigged &amp; stole the election were the ones doing the tampering, &amp; they are the slime that should be prosecuted,” Trump&nbsp;wrote in a Truth Social post.</p>

<p>“Would someone please tell the Fulton County grand jury that I did not tamper with the election,” he said in another post.</p>

<h2><strong>Is Donald Trump behind Georgia's voting system breach?</strong></h2>

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<h2><strong>Former Georgia guv to testify against Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Duncan had earlier criticised Trump's claim about the false election in 2020 and recently&nbsp;said that he had been told to appear on Tuesday (Aug 15) before the Fulton County grand jury.</p>

<p>On Friday, US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, the judge overseeing the federal case, issued a protective order barring Trump from revealing information he will receive from prosecutors as part of the pretrial preparation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-crude-oil-exports-to-india-gave-moscow-far-more-money-than-previously-recognised-625387">Russia's crude oil exports to India gave Moscow far more money than previously recognised</a></p>

<p>Chutkan did not grant prosecutors’ request for a broader limit on what Trump could talk about, but she did make it clear to Trump’s lawyers that his bid to return to the White House will not grant him privileges unavailable to other felony criminal defendants.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-special-counsel-in-us-and-what-role-do-they-play-625449">Explained | What is special counsel in US and what role do they play?</a></p>

<p>Apart from Duncan, independent journalist George Chidi is also expected to testify before the grand jury on Tuesday.</p>

<p>If the grand jury finds him guilty, then it would be the fourth indictment for Trump as he attempts to campaign to return to the White House.</p>

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Despite being warned by a judge about refraining from publicly discussing the January 6 riots case against him, Donald Trump appeared to tell a potential witness in a similar Georgia state case to not testify.

Despite being warned by a judge about refraining from publicly discussing the January 6 riots case against him, Donald Trump appeared to tell a potential witness in a similar Georgia state case to not testify. Taking to his social media site, Truth Social on Monday (Aug 14), Trump asked Georgia’s former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan not to testify before a grand jury in Fulton County that is expected to hand down an indictment against Trump soon. “He shouldn’t. I barely know him but he was, right from the beginning of this Witch Hunt, a nasty disaster for those looking into the Election Fraud that took place in Georgia,” Trump wrote. Trump then went on to deny that he didn’t tamper with the election. “No, I didn’t tamper with the election! Those who rigged & stole the election were the ones doing the tampering, & they are the slime that should be prosecuted,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Would someone please tell the Fulton County grand jury that I did not tamper with the election,” he said in another post. Is Donald Trump behind Georgia's voting system breach? Former Georgia guv to testify against Trump Duncan had earlier criticised Trump's claim about the false election in 2020 and recently said that he had been told to appear on Tuesday (Aug 15) before the Fulton County grand jury. On Friday, US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, the judge overseeing the federal case, issued a protective order barring Trump from revealing information he will receive from prosecutors as part of the pretrial preparation. Also read | Russia's crude oil exports to India gave Moscow far more money than previously recognised Chutkan did not grant prosecutors’ request for a broader limit on what Trump could talk about, but she did make it clear to Trump’s lawyers that his bid to return to the White House will not grant him privileges unavailable to other felony criminal defendants. Also read | Explained | What is special counsel in US and what role do they play? Apart from Duncan, independent journalist George Chidi is also expected to testify before the grand jury on Tuesday. If the grand jury finds him guilty, then it would be the fourth indictment for Trump as he attempts to campaign to return to the White House. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Donald Trump tells potential witness not to testify against him

Prosecutors used a statute typically associated with mobsters to accuse the former president, attorneys, and other aides of a "criminal enterprise" to keep him in power. On Monday, Donald Trump and 18 allies were indicted in Georgia over their efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss in the state.

US: Former President Donald Trump indicted in 2020 Georgia Elections case

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump was indicted Monday (August 14) in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes. This comes after an extensive two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia.&nbsp;This is the fourth criminal case to be brought against the 77-year-old Republican this year, the second case to allege that he tried to subvert the results of the vote. Trump called the&nbsp;indictment "rigged" and "Witch hunt".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case relies on laws typically used to bring down mobsters and could lead to a watershed moment — the first televised trial of a former president in US history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the grand jury met for roughly 10 hours before handing up charges. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' case will be shielded from any potential Trump interference if he is reelected in 2024, unlike the election subversion allegations brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. He will not be able to pardon himself or his allies of any state convictions, nor will he be able to order Fulton County to dismiss the charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-rules-in-favour-of-montana-youth-in-landmark-climate-trial-625466">Court rules in favour of Montana youth in landmark climate trial</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Prosecutors charged 18 other people, including Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman. The case stems from a Jan&nbsp;2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state, but the request was declined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two weeks before Trump was scheduled to leave office, on January 6, 2021, four days later, Trump's supporters attacked the US&nbsp;Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that Willis also investigated an alleged scheme by the Trump campaign to subvert the US electoral process by submitting false slates of electors, people who make up the Electoral College that elects the president and vice president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sam-bankman-fried-indicted-with-seven-charges-for-using-stolen-funds-in-campaign-contributions-625491">Sam Bankman-Fried indicted with seven charges for using stolen funds in campaign contributions</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will televised trial proceedings affect Trump's popularity?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Trump has denied any wrongdoing</strong></h2>

<p>While responding to the indictment, the Trump campaign said: "President Trump will continue to power through this unprecedented abuse of power" and it also accused Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis, an elected Democrat, of being part of the "Deranged Democrat Prosecutor Club". As per the local reports, the statement is attributed to Karoline Leavitt, who is the spokesperson for Make America Great Again Inc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump slammed the indictment and called it "rigged".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sounds rigged to me! Why didn't they indict 2.5 years ago? Because they wanted to do it right in the middle of my political campaign. Witch hunt!"&nbsp;he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement,&nbsp;Trump's lawyers took issue with the "leak of a presumed and premature indictment before the witnesses had testified or the grand jurors had deliberated", in what they say has been a "flawed and unconstitutional" process, a complaint&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;also alluded to in his post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>

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Former United States president Donald Trump was indicted Monday (August 14) in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes. This comes after an extensive two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia.

Former United States president Donald Trump was indicted Monday (August 14) in Georgia on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes. This comes after an extensive two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia. This is the fourth criminal case to be brought against the 77-year-old Republican this year, the second case to allege that he tried to subvert the results of the vote. Trump called the indictment "rigged" and "Witch hunt". The case relies on laws typically used to bring down mobsters and could lead to a watershed moment — the first televised trial of a former president in US history. On Monday, the grand jury met for roughly 10 hours before handing up charges. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' case will be shielded from any potential Trump interference if he is reelected in 2024, unlike the election subversion allegations brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. He will not be able to pardon himself or his allies of any state convictions, nor will he be able to order Fulton County to dismiss the charges. Also read: Court rules in favour of Montana youth in landmark climate trial Prosecutors charged 18 other people, including Mark Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff, and lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman. The case stems from a Jan 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgia's top election official, Brad Raffensperger, to "find" enough votes to reverse his narrow loss in the state, but the request was declined. Two weeks before Trump was scheduled to leave office, on January 6, 2021, four days later, Trump's supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Biden's victory. Reports have mentioned that Willis also investigated an alleged scheme by the Trump campaign to subvert the US electoral process by submitting false slates of electors, people who make up the Electoral College that elects the president and vice president. Also read: Sam Bankman-Fried indicted with seven charges for using stolen funds in campaign contributions Watch: Will televised trial proceedings affect Trump's popularity? × Trump has denied any wrongdoing While responding to the indictment, the Trump campaign said: "President Trump will continue to power through this unprecedented abuse of power" and it also accused Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis, an elected Democrat, of being part of the "Deranged Democrat Prosecutor Club". As per the local reports, the statement is attributed to Karoline Leavitt, who is the spokesperson for Make America Great Again Inc. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump slammed the indictment and called it "rigged". "Sounds rigged to me! Why didn't they indict 2.5 years ago? Because they wanted to do it right in the middle of my political campaign. Witch hunt!" he wrote. In a statement, Trump's lawyers took issue with the "leak of a presumed and premature indictment before the witnesses had testified or the grand jurors had deliberated", in what they say has been a "flawed and unconstitutional" process, a complaint Trump also alluded to in his post. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Donald Trump indicted over 2020 election interference in Georgia

<p>Apart from the US presidential election candidates, there are three other important individuals who will figure prominently in the newspaper headlines and newsrooms for the next few months. They are David Weiss, Jack Smith, and Robert Hur.</p>

<p>All of them are special counsels appointed to oversee some of the most politically important cases that perhaps can change the course of the 2024 US presidential elections.</p>

<p>On Friday (Aug 11), David Weiss was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to probe the financial and business dealings of Joe Biden’s son Hunter.</p>

<p>Apparently, according to Garland, Weiss volunteered himself to be on the case and told him that “in his judgment, his investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work,” now as special counsel.</p>

<p>In January, Garland appointed Robert Hur, a former US attorney in Maryland, to oversee the Justice Department’s investigation into how several batches of documents marked as classified ended up at Joe Biden’s Delaware home and at the offices of the president’s Washington think tank.</p>

<p>And last year, Garland appointed former Justice Department public corruption prosecutor Jack Smith to lead investigations into the retention of classified documents at former president Donald Trump’s Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, and also lead another probe into the Jan 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election. Trump is now facing charges in both cases.</p>

<p>The appointment of these special counsels has again thrown a light on their duties, responsibilities and the kind of power they hold.</p>

<h2><strong>What is a special counsel?</strong></h2>

<p>A special counsel is an attorney who is appointed to investigate, and possibly prosecute, sensitive cases usually involving political figures or allegations of serious wrongdoing by the government.</p>

<p>A special counsel has or at least is perceived to enjoy more independence than is usually afforded to federal investigators.</p>

<p>According to the Justice Department rules, the special counsel is appointed when the department would have a conflict of interest or when he or she decides that it would be in the “public interest” to have an outside lawyer handle an investigation.</p>

<p>The Code of Federal Regulations stipulates that a special counsel must have “a reputation for integrity and impartial decision-making,” as well as “an informed understanding of the criminal law and Department of Justice policies.”</p>

<p>Though they’re not subject to the day-to-day supervision of the Justice Department, special counsels must still comply with department regulations, policies and procedures.</p>

<p>They also technically report to the attorney general — the one government official who can fire them.</p>

<p>The attorney general is entitled to seek explanations from a special counsel about any requested investigative or prosecutorial step, but under the regulations is also expected to give great weight to the special counsel’s views.</p>

<p>In the event the attorney general rejects a move the special counsel wants to make, the Justice Department is to notify Congress at the end of the investigation.</p>

<h2><strong>What powers do special counsels have?</strong></h2>

<p>A special counsel’s power is equivalent to a federal prosecutor. They supervise, investigate, decide whether to bring charges and, if so, take those cases to trial.</p>

<p>They are required to follow the Justice Department’s internal rules, including policies that spell out how to decide whether to bring charges.</p>

<p>Though they’re not subject to the day-to-day supervision of the Justice Department, special counsels must still comply with department regulations, policies and procedures. They also technically report to the attorney general — the one government official who can fire them.</p>

<p>They also operate with more public scrutiny. Unlike with other cases, the attorney general must notify Congress if he or she overrules one of the special counsel’s decisions. And the special counsel must submit a report laying out the reasons for charging people or declining to do so. Those reports can become public, something that rarely happens in other federal investigations.</p>

<h2><strong>How do they operate?</strong></h2>

<p>Special counsels are provided with a budget and can request a staff of attorneys, both inside and outside the department, if they need extra help.</p>

<p>In addition to the ability to bring indictments, special counsels are vested with bread-and-butter law enforcement tools such as the power to issue subpoenas and search warrants.</p>

<p>Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who as special counsel in the Trump administration, led the investigation into possible coordination between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign, issued more than 2,800 subpoenas and executed nearly 500 search-and-seizure warrants.</p>

<h2>Who can be a special counsel?</h2>

<p>Normally, a special counsel is a lawyer brought in from outside the Justice Department. That was the case with Smith and with Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who investigated allegations that Trump’s campaign had conspired with Russia before the 2016 election.</p>

<p>But in some cases, attorneys general have appointed lawyers from within the agency to be special counsels to add heft to investigations they were already supervising.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Apart from the US presidential election candidates, there are three other important individuals who will figure prominently in the newspaper headlines and newsrooms for the next few months.

Apart from the US presidential election candidates, there are three other important individuals who will figure prominently in the newspaper headlines and newsrooms for the next few months. They are David Weiss, Jack Smith, and Robert Hur. All of them are special counsels appointed to oversee some of the most politically important cases that perhaps can change the course of the 2024 US presidential elections. On Friday (Aug 11), David Weiss was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to probe the financial and business dealings of Joe Biden’s son Hunter. Apparently, according to Garland, Weiss volunteered himself to be on the case and told him that “in his judgment, his investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work,” now as special counsel. In January, Garland appointed Robert Hur, a former US attorney in Maryland, to oversee the Justice Department’s investigation into how several batches of documents marked as classified ended up at Joe Biden’s Delaware home and at the offices of the president’s Washington think tank. And last year, Garland appointed former Justice Department public corruption prosecutor Jack Smith to lead investigations into the retention of classified documents at former president Donald Trump’s Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, and also lead another probe into the Jan 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election. Trump is now facing charges in both cases. The appointment of these special counsels has again thrown a light on their duties, responsibilities and the kind of power they hold. What is a special counsel? A special counsel is an attorney who is appointed to investigate, and possibly prosecute, sensitive cases usually involving political figures or allegations of serious wrongdoing by the government. A special counsel has or at least is perceived to enjoy more independence than is usually afforded to federal investigators. According to the Justice Department rules, the special counsel is appointed when the department would have a conflict of interest or when he or she decides that it would be in the “public interest” to have an outside lawyer handle an investigation. The Code of Federal Regulations stipulates that a special counsel must have “a reputation for integrity and impartial decision-making,” as well as “an informed understanding of the criminal law and Department of Justice policies.” Though they’re not subject to the day-to-day supervision of the Justice Department, special counsels must still comply with department regulations, policies and procedures. They also technically report to the attorney general — the one government official who can fire them. The attorney general is entitled to seek explanations from a special counsel about any requested investigative or prosecutorial step, but under the regulations is also expected to give great weight to the special counsel’s views. In the event the attorney general rejects a move the special counsel wants to make, the Justice Department is to notify Congress at the end of the investigation. What powers do special counsels have? A special counsel’s power is equivalent to a federal prosecutor. They supervise, investigate, decide whether to bring charges and, if so, take those cases to trial. They are required to follow the Justice Department’s internal rules, including policies that spell out how to decide whether to bring charges. Though they’re not subject to the day-to-day supervision of the Justice Department, special counsels must still comply with department regulations, policies and procedures. They also technically report to the attorney general — the one government official who can fire them. They also operate with more public scrutiny. Unlike with other cases, the attorney general must notify Congress if he or she overrules one of the special counsel’s decisions. And the special counsel must submit a report laying out the reasons for charging people or declining to do so. Those reports can become public, something that rarely happens in other federal investigations. How do they operate? Special counsels are provided with a budget and can request a staff of attorneys, both inside and outside the department, if they need extra help. In addition to the ability to bring indictments, special counsels are vested with bread-and-butter law enforcement tools such as the power to issue subpoenas and search warrants. Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who as special counsel in the Trump administration, led the investigation into possible coordination between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign, issued more than 2,800 subpoenas and executed nearly 500 search-and-seizure warrants. Who can be a special counsel? Normally, a special counsel is a lawyer brought in from outside the Justice Department. That was the case with Smith and with Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who investigated allegations that Trump’s campaign had conspired with Russia before the 2016 election. But in some cases, attorneys general have appointed lawyers from within the agency to be special counsels to add heft to investigations they were already supervising. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | What is special counsel in US and what role do they play?

Is Donald Trump behind Georgia's voting system breach?

<p>The US judge overseeing the case against former president Donald Trump in the 2020 elections ruled in favour of the former president by issuing a protective order over evidence but sided with prosecutors by broadening which material is considered “sensitive” and should be protected.</p>

<p>US District Judge Tanya Chutkan kicked off the hearing on Friday (Aug 11) by noting that while Trump’s rights as a criminal defendant would be protected, his First Amendment right to free speech was “not absolute.”</p>

<p>“In a criminal case such as this one, the defendant’s free speech is subject to the rules,” she said.</p>

<p>Chuktan, who is overseeing Special Counsel Jack Smith's 2020 election meddling case against Trump, heard arguments about the protection order being sought by Smith to prevent "the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials" his team is preparing to turn over to Trump's attorneys.</p>

<p>These materials are necessary for Trump's attorneys to prepare a defence.</p>

<h2><strong>Prohibition on disclosure of sensitive materials&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The judge prohibited the disclosure of a range of "sensitive" materials, including all recordings, transcripts, interview reports and related exhibits shared by the special counsel.</p>

<p>In the court filings, prosecutors wanted broad rules barring Trump's lawyers from sharing "sensitive" materials with the former president, including witness testimony to the grand jury and recordings and transcripts of Trump associates who spoke to prosecutors.</p>

<p>Trump's attorneys countered that the government's request was too broad and infringed on Trump's First Amendment rights.</p>

<p>Chutkan said that she was not convinced that the government showed all information gathered in the case would fall under the protective order.</p>

<p>She ordered that only information designated as "sensitive" should be protected. But she agreed with the government that every single person interviewed by prosecutors is a potential witness and is sensitive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federal prosecutor Thomas Windom said that the restrictions were necessary to prevent the "improper dissemination of materials … including to the public."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The defendant has set forth an intention to set forth any information that they deem informative," Windom informed the judge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Defence has broadcast their strategy, and that is not to try this case in this courtroom, and your honour should address that," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's right to free speech not absolute&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>At the conclusion of the hearing, Chutkan cautioned Trump over public statements he has made related to the case and suggested that this could backfire by moving the case to trial even faster.</p>

<p>"I intend to ensure the orderly administration of justice in this case as I would with any other case," Chutkan said.</p>

<p>"The more a party makes inflammatory statements about this case which could taint the jury pool or intimidate potential witnesses, the greater the urgency will be that we proceed to trial to ensure a jury pool from which we can select an impartial jury."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The US judge overseeing the case against former president Donald Trump in the 2020 elections ruled in favour of the former president by issuing a protective order over evidence but sided with prosecutors by broadening which material is considered “sensitive” and should be protected.

The US judge overseeing the case against former president Donald Trump in the 2020 elections ruled in favour of the former president by issuing a protective order over evidence but sided with prosecutors by broadening which material is considered “sensitive” and should be protected. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan kicked off the hearing on Friday (Aug 11) by noting that while Trump’s rights as a criminal defendant would be protected, his First Amendment right to free speech was “not absolute.” “In a criminal case such as this one, the defendant’s free speech is subject to the rules,” she said. Chuktan, who is overseeing Special Counsel Jack Smith's 2020 election meddling case against Trump, heard arguments about the protection order being sought by Smith to prevent "the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials" his team is preparing to turn over to Trump's attorneys. These materials are necessary for Trump's attorneys to prepare a defence. Prohibition on disclosure of sensitive materials The judge prohibited the disclosure of a range of "sensitive" materials, including all recordings, transcripts, interview reports and related exhibits shared by the special counsel. In the court filings, prosecutors wanted broad rules barring Trump's lawyers from sharing "sensitive" materials with the former president, including witness testimony to the grand jury and recordings and transcripts of Trump associates who spoke to prosecutors. Trump's attorneys countered that the government's request was too broad and infringed on Trump's First Amendment rights. Chutkan said that she was not convinced that the government showed all information gathered in the case would fall under the protective order. She ordered that only information designated as "sensitive" should be protected. But she agreed with the government that every single person interviewed by prosecutors is a potential witness and is sensitive. Federal prosecutor Thomas Windom said that the restrictions were necessary to prevent the "improper dissemination of materials … including to the public." "The defendant has set forth an intention to set forth any information that they deem informative," Windom informed the judge. "Defence has broadcast their strategy, and that is not to try this case in this courtroom, and your honour should address that," he said. Trump's right to free speech not absolute At the conclusion of the hearing, Chutkan cautioned Trump over public statements he has made related to the case and suggested that this could backfire by moving the case to trial even faster. "I intend to ensure the orderly administration of justice in this case as I would with any other case," Chutkan said. "The more a party makes inflammatory statements about this case which could taint the jury pool or intimidate potential witnesses, the greater the urgency will be that we proceed to trial to ensure a jury pool from which we can select an impartial jury." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jan 6 riots: US judge issues protective order in Donald Trump’s case  

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