Special counsel Jack Smith has filed to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump, including the January 6 case and the classified documents appeal. Smith’s filings Monday confirmed that constitutional protections for sitting presidents preclude further prosecution once Trump assumes office.
The DOJ emphasized that its position is consistent with long-standing interpretations of the Constitution. Smith acknowledged that this is an unprecedented situation, where charges were brought before election but must now be dismissed due to Trump’s election victory.
This decision comes as other legal challenges against Trump are also being delayed.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has put his case on indefinite hold, and Fulton County has canceled hearings concerning its election interference allegations. These moves reflect the widespread recalibration of legal strategies following Trump’s win.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, praised the DOJ’s actions, stating that they affirmed Trump’s leadership and the public’s overwhelming mandate. Cheung called for an end to politically driven investigations and celebrated the dismissals as a victory for the rule of law.
Trump responded with a fiery statement condemning the legal battles as politically motivated. He accused Democratic prosecutors of wasting taxpayer money and orchestrating baseless cases to undermine his presidency. Trump vowed to address these issues as he reenters the White House.
As federal cases against Trump collapse, the legal and political landscape surrounding his presidency shifts dramatically. These dismissals mark a critical moment in Trump’s journey back to the White House, clearing significant obstacles ahead of his inauguration.
