Special counsel Jack Smith has dropped two federal cases against Donald Trump, citing Justice Department policy that shields sitting presidents from prosecution, as reported by AP News. The cases involved the improper storage of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Smith clarified the dismissal was not based on the merits of the cases but acknowledged Trump’s presidential immunity. Trump celebrated the decision, calling the charges “baseless and politically motivated.”
While the cases could theoretically be refiled after Trump leaves office, legal obstacles like the statute of limitations and the possibility of a self-pardon make this unlikely. Critics argue the decision undermines accountability, while supporters contend it upholds constitutional protections for presidents.
State-level prosecutions in New York and Georgia continue but face delays, leaving Trump largely free from criminal scrutiny during his second term.
