Special counsel Jack Smith filed motions to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. This includes the January 6 case and the appeal in the classified documents case, which had been previously dismissed. The DOJ cited constitutional protections for a sitting president as the basis for its decision.
Smith’s motion acknowledged the DOJ’s position that federal indictments against a sitting president are unconstitutional, adding that this applies even when the charges were brought before election. The filing emphasized that the Constitution’s prohibition is “categorical,” regardless of the gravity of the allegations.
The decision to dismiss the cases reflects a broader shift in Trump’s legal landscape. Several state-level cases, including those in New York and Georgia, have also been delayed or paused following Trump’s election win. In Manhattan, the falsified business records case has been indefinitely delayed, and key hearings in Fulton County have been canceled.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, celebrated the decision, describing it as “a victory for the rule of law.” He stated that the American people delivered a clear mandate by reelecting Trump and called for an end to the politicization of the justice system.
In a statement, Trump criticized the legal challenges as baseless and politically motivated. He highlighted the taxpayer funds spent on investigations and accused Democratic officials of abusing the system for political gain. Trump framed the dismissals as evidence of his resilience and the public’s support for his leadership.
The DOJ’s actions mark a significant development in Trump’s legal battles. With these cases dismissed, Trump is set to take office unencumbered by federal prosecutions, signaling a major shift in the political and legal dynamics surrounding his presidency.
