In a significant legal move, special counsel Jack Smith filed motions on Monday to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump. The DOJ cited constitutional protections for sitting presidents, stating that these charges could no longer proceed after Trump’s election victory.
The dismissed cases include the January 6 investigation and the appeal in the classified documents case, both of which had dominated headlines throughout Trump’s campaign. Smith’s filing described the DOJ’s conclusion that ongoing prosecution would violate constitutional provisions, regardless of the charges’ merits.
State-level cases against Trump have also stalled. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has delayed the business records case indefinitely, and Fulton County DA Fani Willis canceled hearings related to election interference. The wave of pauses and dismissals reflects the evolving legal landscape following Trump’s win.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, called the DOJ’s decision a “landmark victory for justice.” Cheung emphasized that Trump’s reelection underscored the public’s rejection of politically motivated investigations and its demand for unity.
Trump issued a statement condemning the cases as partisan attacks. He criticized prosecutors such as Fani Willis and Letitia James, accusing them of weaponizing the legal system for political purposes. Trump reiterated his commitment to fighting against what he described as systemic corruption.
With federal charges dismissed and state cases in disarray, Trump prepares to take office under vastly different circumstances than just weeks prior. These developments signal a turning point in Trump’s legal battles as his presidency approaches.
