Detroit Today: Why Michigan is at the epicenter of Trump’s recent indictment
Political reporters Jonathan Oosting and Craig Mauger discuss why Michigan is so closely tied to Trump’s legal troubles.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during the Oakland County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner, Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Novi, Mich.
In a 45-page grand jury indictment of Donald Trump released earlier this week, Michigan is mentioned nearly 40 times, including an extensive section describing how Trump attempted to overturn the election in the state.
Trump is the first former U.S. president to be indicted, and he’s being charged on a number of potential crimes, including hush money payments he made during his 2016 presidential campaign, the mishandling of classified documents, and four felony counts — including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.
The latest indictment claims Trump knowingly attempted to block the counting of votes in several states. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and says he is being targeted by Democrats to prevent him from reclaiming the presidency in 2024.
Political reporters Jonathan Oosting and Craig Mauger joined Detroit Today to discuss why Michigan is so closely tied to Trump’s legal troubles.
Listen: Why Michigan is at the epicenter of Trump’s recent indictment
Guests
Jonathan Oosting is an award-winning Michigan political reporter covering the Capitol for Bridge Michigan. He says the political consequences of Trump’s latest indictment has yet to be registered among voters.
“We’ve learned a little bit more but I think there’s more to come,” says Oosting.
Craig Mauger covers state government and politics for the Detroit News. He says many Michiganders don’t yet realize how deeply actions in the state tie to Trump’s latest indictment.
“I think Michigan voters don’t realize how front and center Michigan is in this effort to hold individuals accountable to overturn the 2020 presidential election,” says Mauger.
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