Special Counsel Jack Smith is concluding the federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump by seeking dismissals before they proceed to trial, Breitbart reported.
This landmark decision halts federal legal actions against Trump, although state cases continue.
On Monday, Special Counsel Jack Smith took significant legal steps, filing a motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to dismiss the election interference case against President-elect Trump. This decision was influenced by opinions from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which refer to the constitutional prohibition on indicting a sitting president.
Smith's filings not only encompassed the election interference case but also included a motion in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. This aimed to dismiss an appeal in the case of a document, reinforcing a district court's decision to dismiss the indictment without prejudice.
The comprehensive document detailing the reasons for these actions was filed on November 25, 2024. It outlines the basis for these legal conclusions and the application of the OLC's opinions.
The OLC's stance effectively precludes the possibility of federal charges against Trump as he prepares to re-enter the White House.
While these federal dismissals are definitive, Trump's legal challenges are not over. He still faces ongoing cases at the state level in both Georgia and New York.
In New York, the developments have influenced another case against Trump concerning business records. Judge Juan Merchan has set a December 2 deadline for Trump’s attorneys to file a motion to dismiss, considering the recent federal decisions.
This string of legal proceedings highlights the intricate balance between federal and state jurisdictions in matters involving election laws and presidential immunity.
David Bossie, a long-time supporter of Trump, commented on the developments, stating, “Now even Jack Smith admits the Left’s lawfare against President Trump has failed. When President Trump returns to the White House on January 20, the rule of law will return with him.”
Steven Cheung, another ally, emphasized the broader political implications, remarking, “The American People re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate to Make America Great Again. Today’s decision by the DOJ ends the unconstitutional federal cases against President Trump, and is a major victory for the rule of law.”
Further extending the narrative of victory, Ken Klukowski described the dismissal as “a huge victory for President Trump and the rule of law. Jack Smith’s appointment as Special Counsel was unconstitutional from the outset, and Smith’s surrender here is long overdue.”
The cessation of these federal prosecutions marks a pivotal moment in U.S. legal history, particularly concerning the reach and limitations of presidential immunity.
As Trump prepares for his upcoming inauguration, the legal landscape adjusts to a new reality where federal indictments are no longer a threat, yet state cases loom on the horizon. The conclusion of these federal cases may also signal a shift in how future legal challenges against sitting or incoming presidents are handled, underscoring a delicate interplay between law and politics.
