In an exclusive discussion with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham on Tuesday night, former Trump lawyer John Eastman expressed concerns about the erosion of “freedom of speech.” Eastman, former President Trump, and 17 others have been indicted following Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ probe into the alleged attempts to challenge the 2020 Georgia election results.
Eastman asserted their innocence during the interview, which will be broadcast in parts, with the first airing at 7:00 p.m. ET Tuesday on Fox News Channel’s “Ingraham Angle.” He emphasized their efforts were to address serious allegations of fraud and state law violations during the election. Eastman feels that their rights to freedom of speech and petitioning the government to redress grievances are at stake.
The former dean of Chapman University Law School, Eastman, faces charges associated with his counsel to Trump about potentially reversing the 2020 election results. Eastman criticizes the indictment, saying it wrongly targets lawyers for their robust defense of their clients. He believes every defendant should be able to trust their legal advice and establish legal precedent.
Highlighting the broader implications of the indictment, Eastman pointed out the potential for disputed constitutional matters to be criminalized. Drawing on historical instances, he mentioned debates surrounding the 12th Amendment and the intended separation of powers.
Donald Trump faces several charges, including violating the Georgia RICO Act, criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy, filing false documents, and making false statements. This charge marks the fourth time Trump has been indicted, a first for a U.S. president.
Other critical individuals charged in this investigation include lawyers Rudy Giuliani, Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro, and Jeff Clark, among others. Mark Meadows, who served as President Trump’s chief of staff in the White House, was also included. Each defendant is charged with at least one count under the Georgia RICO Act, with various other charges also levied against them.
In a parallel development, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s inquiry into alleged election interference led to Trump being charged with conspiracy against the U.S., obstruction, and other related offenses. Trump maintains his innocence. Smith’s indictment identifies six “co-conspirators.” While five have been named, including Eastman, Powell, Giuliani, Chesebro, and Clark, the sixth identity remains undisclosed.
