Sep 3, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Trump to skip arraignment in federal election interference case

Sareen Habeshian

Former U.S. President and current Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks about the economy, inflation, and manufacturing during a campaign event at Alro Steel on August 29, 2024 in Potterville, Michigan. Michigan is considered a key battleground state in the upcoming November Presidenti — Former President Trump on Aug. 29 in Potterville, Mich. Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Former President Trump waived his right to appear at his arraignment for his federal Jan. 6 election interference case, per a court filing Tuesday.

The big picture: Trump, who is on the campaign trail for the 2024 election, will once again plead not guilty after a superseding indictment was filed last week by special counsel Jack Smith.

Context: The former president was charged in August 2023 with conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.

The charges in the slimmed-down indictment remain the same but the document was reduced after the conservative-majority Supreme Court largely sided with Trump in ruling that presidents have immunity for "official acts."
Trump, who pleaded not guilty to the charges the first time around, has denied wrongdoing.

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Trump to skip arraignment in federal election interference case

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