Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump slammed President Joe Biden, special counsel Jack Smith, and the city of Washington, D.C. ahead of his arraignment on charges related to the Capitol riot. In a fiery statement on Truth Social, Trump called for the arraignment to take place in the politically unbiased state of West Virginia. He expressed his disdain for Washington, D.C., stating that it is “over 95% anti-Trump” and called for a federal takeover to restore the capital to its former greatness. Trump characterized the indictment as “all about Election Interference” and criticized the fairness of the trial.
As the 2024 Republican presidential front-runner, Trump will be arraigned on charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding. While six other “co-conspirators” are mentioned in the indictment, their identities remain undisclosed. The arraignment is scheduled to occur at a courthouse strategically located between the White House and Capitol, resulting in heightened security measures.
The night before his arraignment on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Donald Trump condemned President @JoeBiden, special counsel Jack Smith, and the "anti-Trump" city of Washington, D.C.https://t.co/5DbHu8w6lY
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 3, 2023
Numerous Republicans have voiced their criticism of the case against Trump, deeming it politically motivated. They have drawn attention to the contrasting treatment between Trump and Biden during ongoing investigations. Senator Lindsey Graham joined in on the condemnation, arguing against holding the trial in D.C. during an appearance on Fox News’s Hannity. He labeled any conviction in D.C. against Trump as illegitimate and called for a change of venue and a new judge.
Meanwhile, Trump is also under investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, for a potential fourth indictment related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. This adds to his existing indictments in Manhattan and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Trump presently holds the dubious distinction of being the first indicted president, serving or former.
