Signals a conclusion to the extraordinary federal prosecution of a former president
Washington: The US Justice Department ended its pursuit of criminal charges against Donald Trump, signalling a conclusion to the extraordinary federal prosecution of a former president whose reelection ensured he’d be shielded from charges in the White House.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, who charged Trump with illegally conspiring to obstruct the 2020 election and with mishandling sensitive national security information after he left office, filed papers in court on Monday indicating the department would no longer move forward with either case against the president-elect.
The special counsel’s office sought to dismiss the election obstruction indictment against Trump in Washington. A few hours later, that motion was granted by US District Judge Tanya Chutkan.
In the classified records case, prosecutors said they won’t pursue an appeal to revive charges against Trump, but will press ahead with a challenge to a Florida federal judge’s dismissal of charges against his two co-defendants. The judge ruled earlier this year that Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional and tossed out the case.
Justice Department policy bars the prosecution of sitting presidents, forcing Smith’s hand to unnwind the cases against Trump after he won the election. Trump, who denied wrongdoing, said he would fire Smith and order the department to close the special counsel’s work if he won a second term.
