Summary
Former President Donald Trump was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The four counts include conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding. Laura Barrón-López reports on what we know so far, and former Justice Department official Mary McCord and former federal prosecutor Jessica Roth offer their reactions.
For a transcript of this story, click here
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- When was the special counsel named to oversee the January 6 probe?
- Where does Mary McCord work?
- How long did the investigation leading up to this indictment take?
- Why did the charges not surprise Mary McCord?
- Who led the investigation that led to this indictment?
- What previous charges has Trump faced this year?
Focus Questions
Why do you think the constitution does not officially ban people convicted of crimes from being elected president?
News analysis: Should federal prosecutors like Jack Smith be required to respond to questions from reporters?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: The former president faces a number of charges at both the federal and local levels. You can read about some of those charges and how they were investigated in these stories:
March: Republicans rally around Trump after indictment over hush-money payments, The legal and political fallout of Trump’s indictment
April: Trump’s indictment reportedly includes at least 1 felony charge
Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsification of business records, Former prosecutors outline lengthy legal battle ahead for Trump, Presidential historian says Trump arrest ‘a painful day’ for America, Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago after pleading ‘not guilty’ in New York, Manhattan DA Bragg says Trump’s actions are felony crimes ‘no matter who you are’
The political fallout from the felony charges against Trump
Capehart and Abernathy on Trump’s indictment and his hold on the GOP
June: Trump indicted on federal charges in classified documents investigation
DOJ accuses Trump of showing off classified documents and defying order to return them, Justice Department releases Trump indictment
Trump pleads not guilty on federal charges of mishandling classified documents, Former federal prosecutor analyzes case against Trump, Trump delivers remarks after arraignment over handling of classified documents, How Trump’s classified material case is different from Clinton’s and Biden’s
Trump’s legal cases, explained
July: Trump says he’s target in investigation into efforts to overturn 2020 election
The charges Trump may face in potential special counsel indictment
Former U.S. attorney breaks down new charges against Trump in classified documents case
August: Trump has been indicted for a 3rd time. Here’s where all the investigations stand, Read the full indictment against Trump for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election
This lesson was written by Benjamin Thernstrom, a high school senior in Arlington, Virginia, and PBS NewsHour Classroom intern, with editing by Vic Pasquantonio.
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