In a recent report by ABC News, new evidence has emerged that could have significant implications for the prosecution's case against former President Donald Trump in the trial regarding the Capitol Siege. Special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the investigation, has obtained crucial testimony and statements from Trump's close aides, shedding light on Trump's actions and intent during the events of January 6th.

The reported statements provide key insights into Trump's mindset and alleged criminal intent. Witnesses like Dan Scavino, Trump's communications guru, have confirmed Trump's refusal to ask the Capitol invaders to go home during the three-hour period on January 6th. This testimony directly addresses the important question of whether Trump intended to criminally overturn the 2020 election results and establishes that he wanted the siege to succeed in preventing the certification of President Joe Biden's victory.

What makes these reported statements particularly significant is that individuals like Scavino and Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff, did not provide testimony to the House Jan. 6 committee. Scavino's close association with Trump and his position in Trump's campaign make his testimony especially compelling. Among the reported statements, Scavino confirmed that it was Trump himself who posted the infamous tweet at 2:24 p.m. on January 6th, in which he criticized Vice President Mike Pence for lacking courage.

According to the report, Trump posted the tweet after Scavino left him alone in the White House dining room, failing to persuade him to release a calming statement. Trump showed no concern for the tweet's potential to incite further violence, responding to concerns of his aides by stating, "But it's true." This indifference to the safety of his allies, demonstrated by Trump's response to Mike Pence's need to be evacuated from the Capitol, further solidifies the prosecution's argument that he prioritized his own interests over the well-being of the nation.

Additionally, ABC's report reveals that Meadows provided further evidence that fills gaps in publicly available information. Meadows reportedly confirmed that he heard Trump tell then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, "I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are." This supports the testimony of Cassidy Hutchinson, Meadows' aide, who claimed that Meadows told White House counsel Pat Cipollone that Trump "didn't want to do anything" to stop the violence.

Furthermore, the report highlights Trump's 6 p.m. tweet after the violence subsided, in which he referred to the election as a "sacred landslide" that was "viciously stripped away." Despite being warned by Nick Luna, a former Trump aide, that the tweet made him sound culpable for the violence, Trump published it anyway, suggesting a conscious awareness of his potential criminal responsibility.

The significance of the reported evidence has been downplayed by Trump's team, who argue that it falls under hearsay and is not admissible in court as proof of the truth. However, the evidence will be crucial in establishing Trump's state of mind and criminal intent, which are essential elements of the prosecution's case. By presenting testimony from Trump's closest aides, the prosecution aims to solidify their case against Trump and ensure a fair trial.

As Trump's immunity appeals approach their conclusion, it is expected that the trial will move forward before the November election. The new evidence obtained by special counsel Jack Smith strengthens the prosecution's position and could potentially have a significant impact on the outcome of the trial.