Judge: Giuliani the 'Target' of 2020 Election Investigation
Facts
- Two days before he is to testify before a Fulton County, Ga. grand jury, former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was informed on Mon. that he is the "target" of a criminal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
- The report came on the same day Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) was denied his request to avoid testifying before the same jury, which was an attempt to invoke congressional immunity.
- Giuliani is scheduled to testify before the special grand jury on Wed., though his lawyer says he will probably invoke attorney-client privilege regarding any dealings he had with Trump.
- The case, brought by Ga. District Attorney Fani Willis, is likely to focus on a phone call from Trump to Ga. Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger that focused on Trump's desire to "find" more votes.
- Sixteen alleged "alternate electors" have also been designated as "targets" of the investigation. The scheme has also been investigated by the Jan. 6 Committee, which claimed false certificates were made to be counted by Congress on Jan. 6.
- The shift to designating Giuliani as a target - rather than a subject in the investigation - presents the former New York City Mayor with far more significant legal issues regarding any alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Sources: ABC, New York Post, New York Times, CNBC, NBC, and Guardian.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by CNN. This is the first time a member of Trump's inner circle has been notified of being a "target" in a criminal investigation in illegal attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Legal woes continue to inundate the former president - including the FBI investigation into Trump's handling of classified records at Mar-a-Lago. The pressure on Giuliani is the latest indication that serious legal action is coming after Trump from all angles.
- Pro-Trump narrative, as provided by The Federalist. Besides the fact that this grand jury only has the power to issue a report on the alleged "election scheme," this entire investigation is based on a lie. The former president never had the intent to ask the Georiga. Sec. of State to literally "find" votes. The Fulton County DA, nonetheless, has subpoenaed high-profile Republicans based on this faulty interpretation as a political bonanza. These legal attacks are hyper-politicized crusades from the left.