A significant chapter in Donald Trump’s legal battles concluded as a judge dropped the Jan. 6 charges against the President-elect. The move followed Special Counsel Jack Smith’s request to dismiss the charges on Monday.
“The Government has moved to dismiss the Superseding Indictment without prejudice,” wrote U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in her decision. “Defendant does not oppose the Motion…and the court will grant it.”
This decision, centered on the investigation into the January 6 U.S. Capitol breach, was confirmed after Smith’s request appeared on the Department of Justice docket.
Florida Documents Case Appeal Withdrawn
Smith simultaneously filed a motion to drop his appeal in another high-profile case involving classified records, which federal Judge Aileen Cannon had previously dismissed. Cannon ruled that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was unlawful, effectively invalidating the case.
The decision marks a turning point in the DOJ’s approach to Trump’s legal matters, particularly as Smith had signaled earlier this month that he was winding down his investigations.
Legal Battles Nearing Conclusion
Although Smith initially vacated deadlines in the 2020 election interference case, he stopped short of dropping it entirely. His team had promised an update by December 2, but the dismissal of charges in the Jan. 6 case signals an accelerated closure.
Trump, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, took the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court, citing presidential immunity. The court ruled in his favor, shielding him from prosecution for official acts during his presidency. Smith then filed a new indictment, which Trump also contested, pleading not guilty again.
Trump’s Victory and Legal Team’s Statement
“The American People re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate to Make America Great Again. Today’s decision by the DOJ ends the unconstitutional federal cases against President Trump, and is a major victory for the rule of law,” stated Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesman and incoming White House communications director.
Cheung added, “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.”
Trump’s Response: “Empty and Lawless Cases”
On Truth Social, Trump called the cases “empty and lawless,” condemning what he described as a misuse of taxpayer dollars.
“These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought. Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party’s fight against their Political Opponent, ME,” he wrote.
Trump further criticized state prosecutors and attorneys, naming individuals such as Fani Willis, Letitia James, and Alvin Bragg, whom he accused of political bias.
“It was a political hijacking, and a low point in the History of our Country that such a thing could have happened, and yet, I persevered, against all odds, and WON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he concluded.
Key Developments Ahead
With Trump set to take office, Smith is expected to resign as special counsel. The dismissal of these cases suggests that Trump’s remaining legal battles could face similar outcomes.
