Closing summary
Donald Trump will not be appearing in a Georgia courtroom for his arraignment next week, instead deciding to enter his plea of not guilty in writing and skipping another trip to Atlanta. Separately, Republican governor Brian Kemp rejected an effort by a small group of rightwing lawmakers to call the state legislature back in session to remove Fani Willis, the Fulton county district attorney who indicted Trump and 18 others for trying to overturn Georgia’s elections in 2020. And next week, we may get more details about the special grand jury whose work led to the indictments, when their full report is potentially made public by a judge.
Here’s what else happened today:
A self-described organizer for the Proud Boys militia group was given a 17-year prison sentence for his actions on January 6.
The Capitol physician said Mitch McConnell was “medically clear” to go back to work, but some senators reportedly want to call a special caucus meeting to discuss his health issues.
Trump’s attorney has filed to sever his case from the 18 other defendants in the Georgia election subversion case, which could allow him to put off going to trial.
Clarence Thomas, the conservative supreme court justice, released his delayed financial disclosure reports, in which he acknowledged more luxury trips taken with Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow.
Trump remains way ahead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, poll aggregator FiveThirtyEight.com reports, though his support may have slipped a little bit since the Georgia indictment.
Updated
Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis pleads not guilty in Georgia election subversion case
Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for Donald Trump who advised on ways to prevent Joe Biden from taking office, has pled not guilty to charges brought against her in the Georgia election subversion case, Reuters reports.
Once a prosecutor in Colorado, Ellis spread multiple statements claiming voter fraud during the 2020 election and sent at least two memos advising Mike Pence to reject Biden’s victory in Georgia and other states. The Colorado supreme court censured Ellis earlier this year and she acknowledged making false statements.
Ellis was among the 19 people indicted by Fulton county district attorney Fani Willis last week, along with Trump, who today pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering.
Updated
