Trump target letter hints at surprise approach from prosecutors

Prosecutors appear to be eyeing one unexpected charge as the Justice Department winds down its investigation into former President Trump’s effort to stay in power after the 2020 election. 

Trump announced Tuesday he had received a target letter Sunday informing him he is the subject of the probe, a move often followed by the filing of charges. 

Reporting indicates that among the three statutes cited in the target letter are those for conspiracy to defraud the United States as well as obstruction of an official proceeding. 

One would address the Trump campaign’s efforts to submit fake election certificates declaring Trump the victor while the other was used against several rioters, including members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.  

But a third statute referenced in the target letter deals with conspiring to deprive citizens the “free exercise” of constitutional rights like voting — a surprise to those looking to surmise potential charges.