Three Trump Associates Charged in Fake Electors Scheme

Three associates of former President Donald Trump, James Troupis, Kenneth Chesebro, and Michael Roman, appeared in a Wisconsin court facing 11 felony charges related to an alleged scheme to submit false Electoral College votes for Trump in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Troupis, Trump's former campaign attorney, criticized the charges as 'lawfare' orchestrated by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, arguing that it undermines faith in the justice system. The court granted the defendants signature bonds with restrictions on contacting the 10 Republican electors involved. Notably, while Troupis appeared in person, Chesebro and Roman attended the hearing via phone. The charges stem from a broader investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, which multiple recounts and investigations have confirmed Trump lost in Wisconsin. Additionally, an ethics complaint against Troupis has been filed, alleging he violated legal conduct standards by promoting falsehoods and enabling fraud.