Sidney Powell, the lawyer who pushed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, has made a surprise deal to testify against former President Donald Trump.
Lawyer Pushed Baseless Theories After 2020 Loss
Just weeks after Trump’s defeat, Powell falsely claimed voting machine company Dominion helped steal the election. Despite the Trump campaign distancing itself from the claims, Powell later joined a White House meeting about seizing voting machines.
On Thursday she pleaded guilty to interference in Georgia and agreed to cooperate against co-defendants, including Trump.
Potential Blow to Trump’s Defence
Powell’s flip is a major win for the Georgia prosecutors investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn 2020 results. Her potential testimony poses a threat to Trump’s defense. It’s unclear what exactly Powell would reveal on the stand.
But she could provide insight into Trump’s desperate gambits to cling to power against voters’ will. Some downplay her value as a witness given her history of outlandish statements. However, prosecutors likely expect she has evidence that can implicate others.
First Inner Circle Figure to Cooperate
Until now, only minor players have cooperated in Trump’s cases. Powell is the first close ally to reach a deal. In Georgia, a bail bondsman is cooperating, while a staffer gave evidence related to classified documents.
For a figure obsessed with control, Powell’s cooperation is an unwelcome twist. While more concerned with New York charges, Trump is still troubled by the plea. If Powell testifies, it would mark the first insider account of Trump’s post-election machinations aimed at denying his defeat.
Powell’s sudden willingness to turn on former allies signals she likely has valuable insider knowledge about the efforts to overturn the election. Her close involvement with Trump’s team means she was privy to key meetings, conversations, and documents.
Powell’s potential flipping deals a major blow to Trump’s defense against charges in Georgia. Her testimony could corroborate misconduct and pressure others to cooperate as well. For prosecutors, securing Powell as a witness against the former president is a huge breakthrough.
Though her credibility has been questioned, she undeniably had access to his inner circle. Her cooperation suggests prosecutors see her as far more than just a conspiracy theorist.
