Special Counsel Jack Smith’s prosecutions of Donald Trump for election interference and classified document mishandling were ultimately unsuccessful, resulting in a significant victory for the president-elect. The federal cases were shelved due to Justice Department policy prohibiting the indictment or prosecution of sitting presidents, a decision that effectively exonerated Trump despite the gravity of the accusations. This outcome reinforces Trump’s belief in unchecked authority and carries profound implications for his upcoming term and future presidencies. The failure to hold Trump accountable represents a setback for the rule of law, potentially emboldening future presidents to engage in similar actions.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump concerning classified document mishandling and election interference. These dismissals stem from the Department of Justice’s longstanding policy prohibiting the indictment of a sitting president, a policy invoked previously during Trump’s first term and now applicable due to his re-election. While the government maintained the merits of its cases, the policy’s application necessitated the dismissal. This decision, following Supreme Court rulings bolstering presidential immunity, marks a significant moment, leaving the pursuit of accountability for these alleged actions to Congress via impeachment.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump regarding mishandling classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This decision, citing the Department of Justice’s longstanding policy against indicting a sitting president, comes despite the gravity of the alleged crimes. Conservative judicial rulings, including a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, significantly impacted the case’s dismissal. The DOJ’s policy, established during Watergate, prioritizes a president’s ability to perform their duties unimpeded by legal proceedings, ultimately preventing further prosecution. Smith’s team plans to resign before Trump’s inauguration.
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President-elect Trump plans to dismiss attorneys who worked on Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into his handling of classified documents and the January 6th Capitol riot, many of whom are career professionals typically protected from such actions. Simultaneously, he intends to form teams to investigate alleged 2020 election fraud, despite a lack of evidence. Trump justifies these actions by claiming the Department of Justice was weaponized against him, and intends to reinstate executive order Schedule F to facilitate the removal of government employees. Legal experts, however, note that reinstating Schedule F could face significant legal challenges.
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Special counsel Jack Smith is expected to conclude his investigations into President-elect Trump’s criminal cases before Trump’s inauguration. Smith may issue a comprehensive report detailing the evidence gathered, potentially circumventing the inability to prosecute a sitting president. This report could be released even if the cases are dismissed, as Attorney General Garland has indicated he would release any such report. The possibility of self-pardons and the legal implications are still unresolved.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith is concluding his investigations into Donald Trump, facing a tight deadline before Trump’s potential inauguration. Two cases are involved: one concerning Trump’s actions related to the January 6th insurrection and another regarding classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Smith must submit a final report to Attorney General Garland, who will then decide on public release, though Trump’s potential retribution looms large. The reports’ contents, including classified information and grand jury materials, will be closely watched, especially considering Trump’s threats and the uncertain future of the investigations.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, as the Justice Department generally does not charge sitting presidents with crimes. The looming question is whether Smith’s final report, detailing his charging decisions, will be made public before Inauguration Day. The report must be submitted to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has the authority to release it. Although Smith’s office was moving forward with the election interference case against Trump, the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump has immunity for some acts as president has hampered the investigation. Additionally, a case concerning classified documents was dismissed in July but remains on appeal.
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Special counsel Jack Smith’s request to pause the criminal case against former President Donald Trump in order to assess an “unprecedented circumstance” has sparked a firestorm of reactions. The move, while seemingly intended to ensure a fair and thorough investigation, has been met with a mix of outrage, resignation, and even a touch of morbid humor.
Many critics see Smith’s request as a sign of weakness, a capitulation to Trump’s penchant for manipulating the legal system to his advantage. They argue that the case should proceed without delay, that any pause only emboldens Trump and his allies. They point to the numerous allegations against Trump, including his alleged involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents, as evidence that a swift resolution is necessary.… Continue reading
With President-elect Trump’s victory, the two federal cases against him are likely to be dismissed or delayed due to a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Special counsel Jack Smith is taking steps to conclude both cases before Trump takes office. The cases include charges related to election interference in Washington, D.C., and the alleged mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. While the latter case presents a more complex situation due to the involvement of other defendants and the potential impact on future special counsel appointments, the Justice Department may choose to abandon the appeal.
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The audacity of Donald Trump, proclaiming that he would “fire” special counsel Jack Smith “in two seconds” if he were elected again, is nothing short of alarming. This isn’t just a throwaway remark. It’s a chilling indication of his intentions and a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions. In a society that prides itself on law and order, the thought of a former president openly discussing the dismissal of someone pursuing justice against him feels like a direct assault on the very principles that bind us as a nation. It’s baffling to watch a significant portion of the electorate support a figure who so brazenly promotes corruption and undermines accountability.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood