An appeals court agreed to dismiss charges related to Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents, effectively ending Special Counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution. Charges were initially made in June 2023, but were dismissed by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on the grounds that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was illegal. The special counsel’s office sought to dismiss charges against Trump for retaining national defense information and directing the deletion of security video. The conclusion of these cases and two other criminal cases against Trump was expected once he was re-elected, as Justice Department policy states a sitting president cannot be prosecuted.
Trump’s attorneys argue that presidential immunity protections should guard him against sentencing in a New York case involving hush money payments and a Georgia election interference case. The sentencing in the New York case, where Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records, has been postponed. The Georgia case, brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, has also been delayed due to conflict of interest allegations against Willis.
Trump continues to claim that the prosecutions were politically motivated and pleads not guilty in all cases. He described the cases as “empty and lawless” and a “political hijacking.” He expressed relief in having persevered against the odds and declared victory. Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before Trump’s inauguration, with Smith expected to file a formal report on his charges before stepping down.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
