CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY: Jan 6th Committee filing elicits bonkers defense from Trump, cheers from Dems
The American people have waited for any charges to be brought against Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th insurrection. Waiting to hear that some kind, any kind, of consequence would be mete.
But after 14 months, patience was wearing thin. Fear that accountability was getting less likely, and further away. That changed on Wednesday with a filing by the January 6th Committee in a California District Court.
The filing stated:
“The Select Committee also has a good faith basis for concluding that the President and members of his Campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States.”
Prompted by the contents in emails between Senior Trump Advisor John Eastman and members of Trump’s inner circle, emails between Eastman and former Vice President Mike Pence’s Attorney were especially telling.
Here’s an excerpt from an email between Eastman and Gregory Jacob:
I implore you to consider one more relatively minor violation (of the Electoral Count Act) and adjourn for 10 days to allow the legislatures to finish their investigations, as well as to allow a full and forensic audit of the massive amount of illegal activity that has occurred here.
The Select Committee’s filing, coupled with Eastman’s emails had the internet abuzz. Even world news outlets like Japan Times and India’s WION News covered the story.
On Social Media, everyone from celebrities, reporters, political pundits to everyday people had something to say.
There is a scene in Star Wars in a trash compactor. Reminds me what happens to the walls… https://t.co/Zrk8iMlmZF
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) March 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/shanlonwu/status/1499393894471151616?s=20&t=CoThQMFjCyCa2AvxBsOgvQ
Actor and Director Rob Reiner wieghed in via Twitter:
Jan 6 Committee says there is evidence that Donald Trump engaged in a Criminal Conspiracy to defraud the United States Government. Merrick Garland, do your damn job!
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) March 3, 2022
Reiner’s sentiment was echoed by many people calling for AG Garland to formally bring charges.
Dear Merrick Garland: The Jan 6 committee has literally given you the law and the facts of Trump's crimes. It's time to go to a grand jury for an indictment. If you won't then it's time to resign so that we can have an AG who will pursue justice.
Thank you
Signed,
America https://t.co/XsgoftlbAg— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) March 3, 2022
But the biggest reaction was from the former President himself. Releasing a statement accusing the mainstream media and the Select Committee of covering up voter fraud. Calling the Committee “politically partisan hacks.”
Trump:
“The actual conspiracy to defraud the United States was the Democrats rigging the Election and the Fake News Media and the Unselect Committee covering it up.”
He goes on to call former Attorney General Bill Barr, a “broken” man. And blame SCOTUS for not taking his case:
“Judges and even justices of the Supreme Court, are afraid to even look, as was the Attorney General of the United States, who was so petrified of being held in contempt or being impeached by the Democrats, which they were constantly threatening him with, that he was virtually a broken man who allowed for the systemic violation of election laws and other things to take place.”
Neither Trump’s rhetoric nor his accusations should come as a surprise. It’s not like we haven’t heard it all before. And I’m sure we will again.
Trump’s Statement:
Follow Ty Ross on Twitter @cooltxchick
RELATED STORY: OPINION: Trump wants you to forget about his evil. DON’T!
