Special Counsel Jack Smith announced plans to halt both of his major criminal cases against Donald Trump, citing longstanding Justice Department policies and constitutional considerations. Trump had faced charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and alleged mishandling of classified documents during his first term.
In court filings submitted Monday, Smith requested permission from federal judges to dismiss the election-interference case in Washington, D.C., and the classified documents case in Florida. He argued that the Constitution prohibits prosecuting a sitting president, a status Trump will regain upon inauguration in January 2025. Smith clarified that the cases would not be dismissed “with prejudice,” leaving open the possibility of their revival after Trump’s term ends.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan approved Smith’s motion for the election-interference case, affirming that it could theoretically be revisited in the future. Smith noted that Trump’s legal team supported the dismissal request.
Trump celebrated the development, calling the cases an example of political weaponization and a violation of the rule of law. “Today’s decision by the DOJ is a major victory for justice and the American people,” his spokesperson Steven Cheung said.
The decision underscores the challenges of prosecuting a sitting president, as Trump prepares to begin his second term in office.