An Arizona judge has scheduled a trial date of January 5, 2026, for allies of former President Donald Trump who are charged with a criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. The defendants include conservative attorney John Eastman, multiple Arizona Republicans who served as fake electors, and others.
During a recent hearing, some defendants were present in the courtroom, while others, such as former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, joined virtually. The trial date was set following criminal charges brought against the fake electors from Arizona, although Trump himself was not charged in this case.
Lawyers for the Trump allies are expected to argue that prosecutors are seeking overly harsh punishments to coerce cooperation from the defendants. The charges against the Trump allies in Arizona involve multiple felonies, which could result in prison sentences if convicted.
Arizona Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen acknowledged that the trial date is subject to change. The hearing in Arizona comes after Trump held a rally in the state as part of his 2024 presidential campaign.
While Trump has not been charged in the Arizona case, court documents refer to him as an 'unindicted co-conspirator.' Prosecutors are pushing back against claims that the case is politically motivated and are continuing their investigation, leaving open the possibility of indicting more individuals, including Trump, if new evidence emerges.
One of the defendants, former Trump 2020 campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis, has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for dropped charges. Another fake elector, Loraine Pellegrino, reached a plea deal earlier this month.
Attorneys for Mark Meadows are seeking to move his case to federal court, arguing that the indictment relates to his official duties as Trump's chief of staff. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for September 5.
The legal proceedings in Arizona highlight the ongoing legal challenges faced by individuals connected to Trump's efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. The trial date in January 2026 marks a significant development in this complex and politically charged case.
