Charges against Trump Dropped Over Election Fraud and Document Misuse Allegations
TL/DR –
Special Counsel Jack Smith filed motions to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump, including alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. These motions were later granted by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, formally concluding the case. The decision was based upon the Justice Department’s longstanding position that a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime.
Special Counsel Smith Files to Drop All Charges Against President-elect Trump
Special Counsel Jack Smith filed motions on Monday to dismiss federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump. These charges relate to Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election leading to the January 6 U.S Capitol attack.
U.S. District Judge Grants Smith’s Motion
Judge Tanya Chutkan granted Smith’s motion later that day, formally ending the case accusing Trump of conspiring to overturn his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden.
Trump Faces Multiple Charges, Appeals Sought
Trump was initially indicted in June 2023 on 37 felony counts related to mishandling classified documents. A Florida judge dismissed this case. However, Smith’s office appealed. Trump was also indicted in August 2023 for attempting to reverse the 2020 election results.
The Case Holds as Trump’s Team Argues for Dismissal
The case was paused for several months while Trump’s team argued for a dismissal on various grounds, including that a former president cannot be prosecuted for in-office actions.
Special Counsel Smith and Team Plan to Resign
Smith and his team plan to resign before Trump retakes office. Special counsel regulations require Smith to file a report explaining his charging decisions before he steps down.
Help from Conservative Judges and Trump’s Re-election Halts Cases
Conservative Supreme Court judges issued a ruling on presidential immunity that favored Trump. This, coupled with Trump’s re-election, has ended Smith’s ability to progress with the charges.
Trump’s Spokesperson and Plans for Justice Department’s Future Actions
Trump supporter Steven Cheung hails this decision as a major victory for the rule of law. The Justice Department plans to arrest the “most egregious” January 6 rioters before Trump’s inauguration. The president-elect also intends to pardon some January 6 rioters upon resuming office.
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