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Special Counsel Jack Smith announced on Monday (November 25) that he is dropping the election subversion case against President-elect Donald Trump. In a six-page court filing, Smith requested the case's dismissal, stating that the Constitution requires the case to be dismissed before Trump's inauguration. However, he clarified that the decision was not based on the merits or strength of the case against Trump.
Smith noted he was seeking to drop the charges "with prejudice," allowing the case to be refiled in the future.
The case against Trump, which has been pursued by Smith for the past two years, revolved around allegations of Trump trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election and mishandling classified documents. This marked a unique chapter in American history as it was the first time a former occupant of the White House faced federal criminal charges.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling earlier this summer that Trump enjoyed some presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, a trial never commenced due to Trump's strategy to delay the case.
In a separate filing, Smith also dropped the classified documents case against Trump. However, Smith said that prosecutors were continuing to pursue the case against two of Trump's employees, co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, who are accused of mishandling classified documents that were taken to Mar-a-Lago after Trump left the White House.
The dismissals come amidst Trump's statement that he would fire Smith once he retook office, breaking previous norms around special counsel investigations.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung praised the decision to drop the federal cases.
"Today's decision by the DOJ ends the unconstitutional federal cases 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 justice system, and we look forward to uniting our country."