Former President Donald Trump’s first appearance in the 2020 election interference case ended after 27 minutes. The former president pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The former president has rejected the four federal charges he faces in special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into interference in the 2020 election.
Judge Moxila Upadhyaya asked Trump how he pleaded to Counts 1 through 4 in the indictment. “How do you declare, Mr. Trump?” asked the magistrate.
“Innocent,” Trump responded.
Trump was indicted this Tuesday as part of the case led by prosecutor Smith into Trump’s efforts to reverse the elections leading up to the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.
The charges are:
Conspiracy to defraud the United States
Conspiracy to obstruct an official act
Obstruction and attempt to obstruct an official act
Conspiracy against the rights of others
Judge Upadhyaya scheduled the next hearing in the election interference case for August 28 at 10 am Miami time.
That proceeding will take place before Federal District Judge Tanya Chutkan.
Prosecutor Thomas Windom said the government was available on every day the judge offered as possible hearing days, but he would prefer the earliest date. Trump’s team requested August 28, the last of the three options.
“I will also note, Mr. Trump, that to the extent that you are unable to attend due to your schedule, I have consulted with Judge Chutkan and she is willing to waive your appearance,” Upadhyaya said.
Special counsel Smith’s team did not request pretrial detention for Trump, so the former president will be released with minimal conditions, including not being able to communicate with anyone known to be a witness in the case unless through a lawyer.
Trump rose to his feet and raised his right hand, swearing to abide by the conditions of release. He also signed papers agreeing to the conditions.
