Special counsel Jack Smith filed motions on Monday to drop all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump, including dismissing the January 6 case and ending the appeal in the classified documents case. The move follows Trump’s decisive election victory, which the DOJ stated changes the legal dynamics regarding his prosecution.
In the filing, Smith referenced the DOJ’s long-standing position that a sitting president cannot be federally indicted or prosecuted. “The Department has determined that prior opinions concerning the Constitution’s prohibition on federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting President apply to this situation,” the motion stated.
Smith’s request to dismiss the January 6 charges was filed without prejudice, allowing for the possibility of future prosecution if circumstances change. Similarly, the classified documents case appeal was dropped, citing the same constitutional protections afforded to an incoming president.
These decisions come alongside state-level cases against Trump being placed in limbo. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s business records case has been indefinitely delayed, and Georgia’s proceedings related to alleged election interference have seen key hearings canceled.
Trump’s team hailed the DOJ’s actions as a victory for justice and an end to politically motivated attacks. Communications director Steven Cheung stated that the move reflected the public’s mandate, highlighting the need to stop using the justice system as a political weapon.
Trump himself celebrated the decision, reiterating his claims that the cases were baseless and driven by partisan motivations. Calling it a “low point in the history of our country,” Trump pointed to his victory as evidence of resilience against unjust legal challenges.
As Trump prepares to take office in January, the collapse of these cases signals a major shift in the legal landscape. The DOJ’s actions emphasize the constitutional limits on prosecuting a sitting president and mark a significant moment in Trump’s path to reclaiming the presidency.
