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Judge Dismisses Federal Election Interference Charges Against Trump
President-elect Donald Trump’s criminal indictment for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results has been dismissed.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan granted special counsel Jack Smith’s motion to drop the case, citing Department of Justice (DOJ) policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president.
“The court will therefore grant the Government leave to dismiss this case,” Chutkan wrote in her brief, two-page opinion. The dismissal was issued without prejudice, meaning the charges could theoretically be refiled after Trump leaves office.
This decision officially ends the landmark indictment, which accused Trump of four felonies stemming from efforts to reverse his election loss to President Joe Biden. The indictment included allegations related to the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the election.
Earlier the same day, special counsel Smith filed motions to dismiss both the election interference case and Trump’s classified documents case in Florida, aligning with DOJ policy against indicting sitting presidents.
“After careful consideration, the Department has determined that OLC’s prior opinions concerning the Constitution’s prohibition on federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting President apply to this situation,” Smith stated, referencing the Office of Legal Counsel’s long-standing guidance.
The Florida case, where Trump was charged with mishandling classified documents and obstructing government retrieval efforts, awaits final dismissal approval from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court’s procedural rules allow the clerk to approve such motions without requiring a judge’s decision.
While the dismissal ends active federal cases against Trump, the decision to drop the charges “without prejudice” leaves open the possibility for future legal action after Trump’s presidency.
This marks a pivotal moment in the legal and political landscape, demonstrating the complexities of balancing constitutional principles with accountability. The DOJ’s adherence to its long-standing policies reflects the challenges of prosecuting a president-elect while maintaining the integrity of the nation’s democratic institutions.