On Monday, Special Prosecutor Jack Smith filed the charges. motion to dismiss A lawsuit filed against President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, DC.
Trump was indicted last year on four felonies, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“Today's decision by the Department of Justice ends the unconstitutional federal lawsuit against President Trump and is a major victory for the rule of law.”
“As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, Defendant Donald J. Trump will become President on January 20, 2025. This is the position of the Department of Justice.” The U.S. Constitution prohibits federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting president. ”
Smith cited the “unprecedented circumstances” and, after consulting with the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, concluded that “the charges must be dismissed before the defendants can be sworn in.”
“The government's position on the merits of the defendant's charges has not changed. But the circumstances have changed,” he added.
Mr. Smith led the Washington, D.C., case and a separate federal indictment in Florida alleging Mr. Trump mishandled classified documents. The lawsuit was dismissed in the summer by Judge Eileen Cannon, who ruled that Smith's appointment was unconstitutional.
Smith's move Monday to dismiss the D.C. case would end all federal charges against Trump.
President Trump's press secretary, Stephen Chan, responded to Smith's decision to file a motion to dismiss.
Chan said“Today's decision by the Department of Justice ends the unconstitutional federal lawsuit against President Trump and is a major victory for the rule of law. The American people and President Trump want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our judicial system. , we look forward to it' uniting our country. ”
President Trump previously promised to fire Smith “within two seconds” of taking office. The New York Times reported earlier this month that people familiar with the matter revealed that Smith was planning to finish his federal case and retire before President Trump had a chance to remove him as special counsel.
Trump is still being sentenced in a New York court, where he is charged with 34 felonies for falsifying business records. But last week, Judge Juan Melchan granted the defense's motion to dismiss. Marchand will receive the allegations and the prosecutor's response in early December. The Georgia case filed against Trump is also a state-level charge, but it is still pending in court and has not been tried.
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