Trump
A U.S. federal judge has dismissed all charges against President-elect Donald Trump in cases related to the mishandling of classified documents and alleged interference in the 2020 election.
This significant legal decision follows motions filed by special counsel Jack Smith, who requested the dismissal of the federal prosecution based on constitutional grounds.
The dismissal marks the official end of two high-profile cases that accused Trump of conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden and mishandling sensitive government records.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan granted the special counsel’s request on Monday, concluding the legal proceedings surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. This ruling represents the end of a controversial chapter in U.S. legal and political history.
In a statement accompanying the filing, Smith explained that the Constitution prohibits the indictment of a sitting president, arguing that the cases should be dismissed before Trump’s inauguration.
“The Department’s position is that the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” Smith wrote. Judge Chutkan dismissed the cases “without prejudice,” leaving the door open for potential charges to be revisited after Trump leaves office.
This decision aligns with a Justice Department policy that bars the indictment of a sitting president to avoid interference with presidential duties.
The U.S. Supreme Court had previously affirmed the principle of presidential immunity in a ruling over the summer, further undermining the charges against Trump.
Trump faced two major federal indictments over the past year: the Classified Documents Case and the 2020 Election Interference case.
The Classified Documents Case, filed in June 2023, included 37 felony counts related to Trump’s handling of classified materials, including willful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The Election Interference case, filed in August 2023, centered around four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and efforts to reverse the 2020 election outcome, culminating in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
While the charges against Trump have been dropped, the Justice Department confirmed that proceedings will continue against his co-defendants in the classified documents case, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, with Smith clarifying that the principle of temporary immunity does not apply to them.
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, hailed the decision as a major victory, calling it a triumph for the rule of law. Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has characterized the investigations as politically motivated attacks.
While the dismissal of the charges provides temporary relief for Trump, his legal battles remain a contentious issue in a highly polarized political climate. The proceedings, though paused, may resurface and continue to shape Trump’s political career moving forward.
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