Judge Grants Smith's Request to Drop Trump Charges
Judge Grants Smith's DropsRequest Trumpto ElectionDrop InterferenceTrump Charges
The Facts
Special counsel Jack Smith on Monday in a filing to a federal judge requested that election interference charges stemming from attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election be dropped against Pres.-elect Donald Trump.US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday dismissed "without prejudice" special counsel Jack Smith's election interference case against Pres. elect Donald Trump related to attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
In a six-page filing, Smith explained to US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan that the Dept. of Justice's (DOJ) position is "that the Constitution requires" the case be "dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." He added, "this outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against" Trump.Earlier Monday, in a six-page filing, Smith sought the dismissal of the case, writing that the Dept. of Justice's (DOJ) position is "that the Constitution requires" the case be "dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." Smith added, "this outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against" Trump.
The Spin
Smith dropping this case is in no way an exoneration of Trump — it's just the result of Smith being caught between upholding the rule of law and adhering to a policy of not pursuing charges against a sitting president. Even as he faced these charges from Smith, Trump continued spreading lies about the 2020 election being stolen from him. It's unfortunate Trump won't even face trial for his undemocratic actions.
The Democrats' lawfare against Trump has failed. These politically motivated cases were used as a form of election interference to try to prevent Trump's return from the White House — and now he'll be taking the oath of office next month. Although he's dropped the charges, Smith shouldn't be exonerated from facing consequences for conjuring up these preposterous cases. A full investigation must be carried out.
