“The challenge for prosecutors, of course, is to prove each element of the crime. Barrett, a former associate independent counsel in the Iran-contra investigation. If the Justice Department, likely via the US attorney in Washington, DC, were to charge Trump with breaking this law, federal prosecutors would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the former president knowingly agreed with others to attempt to obstruct Congress's election certification process by deceit or dishonesty, said John Q. The House select committee stated in a March 2 court filing that it has evidence that Trump and his campaign team violated one federal law by engaging in “a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States.” Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images ‘Conspiracy to defraud the government' Lawmakers on the House January 6 committee will air the inquiry's findings during a public hearing Thursday.

It was not immediately clear what the search warrant was executed for, but the National Archives and Records Administration previously said that Trump had taken classified documents to Mar-a-Lago.įive legal experts told Insider about the federal laws the Justice Department could use to prosecute Trump but noted the former president may have a strong legal defense. Separately, investigations into the former president have intensified as FBI officials raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, on August 8. Two former top aides to former Vice President Mike Pence testified before a federal grand jury, and prosecutors have asked witnesses directly about Trump's involvement. Investigators have obtained phone records belonging to key aides, including Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff. Recent moves suggest the DOJ investigation is reaching into Trump's inner circle. It does not have the authority to prosecute - unlike the Justice Department. The committee explicitly stated that it has evidence to show that Trump and his campaign staff carried out an “illegal” and “unconstitutional” attempt to obstruct Congress' election certifying Joe Biden's victory and “engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States.” A federal judge ruled in March that Trump “likely” committed a felony. Now, the committee has wrapped up its final July hearings and put its goal into sharper focus: To painstakingly show why they believe then President Donald Trump violated several federal laws in the events leading up to the insurrection and its aftermath. When the House select committee began its 10-month investigation into the January 6 insurrection, lawmakers set out to uncover and present evidence from the first disruption of the peaceful transfer of power in American history. Separately, investigations into the former president have intensified as FBI officials raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago. The House January 6 panel is gathering evidence that Trump may have broken several federal laws.īut experts say Trump could mount a strong legal defense.

Prove me wrong meme generator