Wisconsin
Judge refuses call from Trump’s former Wisconsin lawyer to step away from fake elector case
Jim Troupis, the former Trump campaign lawyer, charged in fake elector scheme speaks out
Jim Troupis, the former Trump campaign lawyer from Dane County swept up in charges over an alleged fake elector scheme, speaks out about the case.
MADISON – A Wisconsin judge is refusing calls from President Donald Trump’s former campaign attorney to step down from a case accusing the attorney of felony forgery charges over his alleged role in a scheme to overturn the 2020 election result.
Dane County Circuit Judge John Hyland on Tuesday rejected a motion from Jim Troupis, a former Dane County judge who represented Trump’s 2020 campaign in Wisconsin, to step down from the case. Troupis alleged judicial misconduct.
Hyland also rejected a motion to postpone a Monday hearing in the case, according to court records.
Troupis argued Hyland should step aside because Troupis believed retired Dane County Judge Frank Remington actually wrote a previous order in the case, according to the Associated Press. Troupis alleged that Remington had ill will against Troupis. Hyland said Remington did not help write the order and rejected the motion.
In 2024, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed felony charges against Troupis, Kenneth Chesebro, a Wisconsin native and lead architect of the 2020 elector scheme, and former Trump aide Mike Roman, who allegedly delivered Wisconsin’s slate of false elector paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressman’s staffer to get them to Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021.
The three face 11 charges relating to felony forgery and forgery meant to defraud the Republican electors who cast their ballots for Trump, even though Joe Biden, a Democrat, won the state’s presidential election. Each of the 11 charges against the men carries the same maximum penalty of six years in prison, in addition to a $10,000 fine.
According to the complaint against Troupis, Chesebro and Roman, most of the Trump electors said they did not consent to having their signatures presented as if Trump had won the state without a court ruling saying so. The complaint also describes how Chesebro, Troupis and Roman allegedly created a fake document that said Trump won Wisconsin’s 10 Electoral College votes and then attempted to deliver it to Pence for certification.
Federal prosecutors have said the fake electors plot originated in Wisconsin.
Biden beat Trump by about 21,000 votes in Wisconsin. Trump sought recounts in Dane and Milwaukee counties, which confirmed Biden’s win. Trump sued and the state Supreme Court upheld the results on a 4-3 vote on Dec. 14, 2020. Troupis represented the Trump campaign in the case.
Less than an hour later, Democrats met in the state Capitol to cast the state’s 10 electoral votes for Biden.
At the same time, the Republican fake electors gathered in another part of the Capitol to fill out paperwork claiming Trump had won.
They submitted their filings to Congress, the National Archives, a federal judge and then-Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug La Follette. Chesebro was in the room during the meeting.
At the time, the fake electors said they held the meeting only to ensure the state’s electoral votes were cast for Trump if a court later determined he was the true winner of the state.
In efforts to have the case dismissed, Troupis claimed the electors met and cast their ballot only to preserve their legal options, in case the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Trump the winner of Wisconsin, arguing no crime was committed.
The 10 electors have not been criminally charged related to the fake documents. The group settled a lawsuit in 2023 filed by the real Biden electors against them over their role in the scheme. As a part of the settlement, the false electors acknowledged their actions were used in an attempt to overturn an election.
Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Weekend: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival, Wee Whiskey Fest and more
There are several events happening across the area this weekend, including festivals, sports, and art exhibits.
Art in Bloom transforms the Milwaukee Art Museum with floral installations inspired by artwork in the museum. The annual event runs through Sunday, and timed tickets are needed.
It is the opening weekend of the 18th annual Milwaukee Film Festival. Screenings are taking place at the Downer and Oriental theaters. Several local films are being screened along with national and international films.
WATCH: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival and more. What are you doing this weekend?
Wisconsin Weekend in a Minute
Wee Whiskey Fest returns to Lake Geneva with a full weekend of tastings, entertainment, and events. Saturday’s Grand Tasting features more than 150 premium bourbons and whiskies, with more festivities happening all weekend long.
At the Milwaukee Admirals game tonight, it is Fair Deal Friday. Fans who grab an Admirals ticket will get a free Fair ticket. It is also Fan Appreciation Night with plenty of giveaways, and the first 2,500 fans will get a one-of-a-kind Admirals and Brewers t-shirt.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip
Wisconsin
Flooding closes state highways around Northeast Wisconsin
(WLUK) — Many roads remain closed as Northeast Wisconsin continues to deal with the effects of heavy rain and flooding.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation released this list of road closures Thursday for state highways in the area:
Highway 147 is closed at Church Street in Mishicot due to flooding.
- A detour route is posted using County V, WIS 42 and County VV.
Highway 54 is closed in both directions from near N. Maple Street/Highway 47 in Black Creek to Hooyman Road/County M west of Shiocton due to flooding on roadway.
- Alternate route for southbound: Take Highway 47 to County S to County M.
- Reverse for northbound.
Highway 76 is closed in both directions from East Avenue in Shiocton to Oak Crest Drive in Stephensville due to flooding on roadway.
- No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.
Highway 76 is closed in both directions from County D in Bear Creek to Highway 54 in Shiocton because of flooding on roadway.
- No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.
Highway 54 is closed in both directions from Gorges Road in Northport to Jeanne Street in New London due to flooding on roadway. NOTE: Highway 45 north and south of New London is closed for an ongoing construction project.
- Alternate Route for eastbound traffic: Traffic will exit Highway 54 at Highway 110/22, north on Highway 110/22 to County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B to Highway 22, east on Highway 22 to US 45, north on US 45 to Highway 22, North on Highway 22 to Highway 156, East on Highway 156 to Highway 47, south on Highway 47 back to Highway 54.
- Reverse for westbound.
Highway 187 from Highway 156 in Shawano County to Highway 54 in Outagamie County is closed in both directions due to flooding.
- Alternate route for southbound: Highway 156 to Highway 47 to Highway 54.
- Reverse for northbound.
Highway 110 is closed in both directions south of Manawa from County B in Manawa to County BB due to flooding on roadway.
- Alternate route for northbound: Northbound traffic will exit WIS 110 at County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B back to Highway 110.
- Reverse for southbound.
If you can safely take a photo or video of conditions where you are, share it with us here:
The DOT also gave these tips for safe driving during flood conditions:
- Please make sure you have the flooding tab clicked on the 511 map to view all locations of flooding.
- Never attempt to cross a water-covered road. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Do not ignore barricades or road closure signs.
Flash flooding can occur suddenly anywhere in the area.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
- Always check current road conditions before traveling:
- Visit the 511 Wisconsin website for the latest weather and road alerts.
- Motorists should plan extra time for travel, use designated alternate routes, and exercise extreme caution in low-lying areas. Conditions may change rapidly.
- For the latest updates, monitor the 511 Wisconsin website. Stay safe and drive smart when in doubt, turn around and find another way.
- For real-time information, please check the 511 Wisconsin website or call 511.
Wisconsin
Next Weathermaker to bring more thunderstorms to already flooded Northeast Wisconsin
(WLUK) — More rain is on the way for Northeast Wisconsin.
Flood warnings are currently in effect for many area rivers and streams as recent rainfall has pushed some to reach flood level.
This morning, there’s a dense fog advisory in place.
Visibility could drop to a quarter mile in some places.
Today there’s a chance for showers and a few thunderstorms.
It will then become mostly sunny with a high near 66.
Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with a high of 70 before our Next Weathermaker brings showers and thunderstorms late in the day and into the evening.
Some of those storms could become severe with damaging wind, large hail and a few tornadoes.
Our area is in a level 2 and 3 out of 5 for severe weather risk.
If you see severe weather in your area and can safely take a photo or video, Chime In here:
After the rain tomorrow night, we should have a string of dry days, which will help with dropping high river levels.
Saturday we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds.
It will be windy with a high near 48.
Winds could gust to 35 mph out of the northwest.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
Click here for Director of Meteorology Pete Petoniak’s full forecast.
-
Ohio3 days ago‘Little Rascals’ star Bug Hall arrested in Ohio
-
Arkansas1 week agoArkansas TV meteorologist Melinda Mayo retires after nearly four decades on air
-
Austin, TX1 week agoABC Kite Fest Returns to Austin for Annual Celebration – Austin Today
-
Politics3 days agoDem fundraising giant in the hot seat as GOP lawmakers demand answers over dodged subpoena
-
Science3 days ago‘Dr. Pimple Popper’ Sandra Lee had a stroke last fall. Here’s how the TV doc is bouncing back
-
Politics6 days agoTrump blasts Spanberger ahead of Virginia meetings, says state faces tax base exodus like New York, California
-
Health1 week agoWoman discovers missing nose ring traveled to her lungs, causing month-long cough
-
San Francisco, CA5 days agoPresident Trump terminates Presidio Trust