According to a former prosecutor, fresh evidence uncovered by the Department of Justice could prove to be detrimental to Donald Trump's defense. Dennis Aftergut argues that the recently reported evidence, as revealed by ABC News, presents a significant obstacle to Trump's hopes of avoiding conviction in the ongoing trial.

ABC News reported that key figures from Trump's inner circle, including former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, aide Nick Luna, and deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, have been in communication with Special Counsel Jack Smith. This revelation is expected to have a profound impact on Trump's legal proceedings once his immunity appeals conclude.

In the criminal indictment brought against Trump by Smith in Washington, D.C., the charges relate to the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was stormed by protesters and allegations arose regarding Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. The former president vehemently denies all charges and asserts that the indictment is politically motivated.

ABC News also reported that Dan Scavino had tried to convince Trump to send out a tweet on January 6 to calm the crowd, some of whom were calling for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged. At 2:38 p.m. that day, Trump urged his followers on X, formerly Twitter, to "support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement" and "stay peaceful."

During the same time frame, Meadows informed federal authorities that Trump responded to a call from Kevin McCarthy by saying, "Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are." Meanwhile, Nick Luna claims to have heard Trump's nonchalant response of "so what?" upon being informed that Pence was being rushed to a secure location.

Dennis Aftergut highlighted the significance of these reported statements, characterizing them as cruel, self-interested, and indicative of Trump's abandonment of allies. Aftergut argues that such remarks make it irrefutable that Trump used his most violent supporters in an attempt to undermine the will of the voters and cling to power.

Newsweek has reached out to a representative for Trump for comment, but there has been no response so far.

It remains to be seen how this new evidence will impact Trump's defense strategy. As the trial progresses and Trump's immunity appeals conclude, the weight of the evidence could potentially shape the outcome of the legal proceedings against the former president.