Jack Smith looks to hit Trump with up to 45 new charges and indict attorneys: report

Donald Trump could soon be facing additional indictments from the Department of Justice, The Independent reports.

The DOJ has made preparations for a “superseding indictment,” which are additional charges that may include allegations of more serious crimes against a defendant, according to the report, which cites sources familiar with the matter.

Andrew Feinberg writes for The Independent that "Prosecutors are now prepared to 'stack' an 'additional 30 to 45 charges' on top of the 37-count indictment brought against Mr Trump on 8 June. They would do so using evidence against the ex-president that has not yet been publicly acknowledged by the department, including other recordings prosecutors have obtained which reveal Mr Trump making incriminating statements."

The decision over whether to pursue additional charges from a grand jury along with the venue in which they would be pursued, will likely hinge on the extent to which prosecutors believe the judge hearing the case is capable of acting as an impartial jurist, according to the report.

Aileen Cannon’s impartiality is considered an open question after the Trump-appointed federal judge’s decisions in the case were overturned by the conservative 11th Circuit.

Feinberg writes, “Additionally, it is understood that special counsel Jack Smith’s team is ready to bring charges against several of the attorneys who have worked for Mr. Trump, including those who aided the ex-president in his push to ignore the will of voters and remain in the White House despite having lost the 2020 election.”

Among the most prominent potential indictment targets is Rudy Giuliani, who voluntarily met with prosecutors earlier this week, fueling speculation that the former Trump attorney and New York City mayor is looking to cut a deal.

Trump and Giuliani are also believed to be targets of a Georgia probe focusing on efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Feinberg writes that “That probe, which is being conducted by Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis, is expected to result in multiple indictments which could be unveiled as early as next month. Ms Willis, who last year oversaw a special purpose grand jury probe into efforts by Mr Trump and his allies to reverse his loss to Mr Biden in Georgia, is reportedly considering indictments against the ex-president, his former attorney, top Republican figures in the state, as well as Mr Trump’s final White House chief of staff, ex-North Carolina congressman Mark Meadows.”

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