Former President Donald Trump has enlisted attorney John Lauro to join his legal team in response to the ongoing investigation by special counsel Jack Smith into his actions following the 2020 presidential election. The Trump campaign confirmed this addition on Thursday, shortly after it was revealed that Trump is the target of a criminal investigation by Smith's office.

Smith has been conducting a thorough investigation into alleged attempts to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power after the election, including the infamous attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The letter from Smith's office notifying Trump of his target status reportedly cited three federal statutes. Two of these statutes pertain to conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the U.S., as well as deprivation of rights under color of law. The third statute encompasses potential charges ranging from obstruction of an official proceeding to tampering with a witness, victim, or informant.

This latest development marks a significant turning point in the investigation, as it is the clearest indication yet that Trump may soon face charges related to his attempts to retain power despite losing the election. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly claimed that any potential prosecution would be politically motivated. However, the statutes referenced in the letter shed light on the potential legal basis for future charges.

The addition of attorney John Lauro to Trump's legal team has garnered attention. Lauro, who is based in New York City but also licensed to practice in Washington, D.C., and Florida, is no stranger to the spotlight due to his experience as a legal contributor to various television networks. He intends to make television appearances to advocate on behalf of the former president.

It is worth mentioning that Trump is already facing criminal charges stemming from Smith's parallel investigation into his financial dealings. Additionally, he is facing numerous state charges in New York, where he was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury investigating an alleged "hush money" payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty in both cases and continues to assert that the investigations are politically motivated as he pursues the 2024 Republican nomination.

The letter from Smith's office notifying Trump of the criminal investigation has raised speculation about the potential charges he may face. Hundreds of defendants involved in the Justice Department's probe into the January 6 Capitol attack have faced obstruction-related charges. Furthermore, deprivation of rights under color of law involves the misuse of legal authority to infringe upon constitutional or legal rights.

Sources close to witnesses involved in the grand jury's probe have indicated that Smith is building a case focused on Trump's actions following his awareness that making claims about a rigged election could expose him to legal risk. The special counsel is also examining whether Trump conspired to obstruct the certification of Electoral College votes by Congress.

This latest revelation comes on the heels of Trump's disclosure that he received a letter from federal authorities informing him that he is being investigated as a target by the Justice Department regarding the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. In a statement, Trump expressed his belief that this letter indicates an imminent arrest and indictment.

These new charges add to the existing legal challenges Trump is confronting in New York and Florida, as well as the ongoing election interference investigation in Georgia. A federal target letter is a significant communication from prosecutors to inform an individual that they are the subject of a criminal investigation. It serves to notify the individual that prosecutors have gathered evidence linking them to a crime and often precedes an indictment. The letter outlines the specific crimes the defendant is accused of and may request their testimony before a grand jury, as is the case with Trump's situation.

The inclusion of attorney John Lauro, the revelation of the federal target letter, and the details surrounding the ongoing investigations into Trump's actions after the 2020 election have intensified the legal scrutiny surrounding the former president. As the investigation continues to unfold, the potential consequences for Trump remain uncertain, casting a shadow over his political aspirations for the 2024 presidential elections.