Top Points:
Judge Cannon's Dismissal: U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed special counsel Jack Smith's classified documents case against Donald Trump, citing constitutional concerns over Smith's appointment and funding.
Trump's Reaction and Call to Action: Trump celebrated the dismissal on Truth Social, urging the Biden administration to end the "weaponization of our justice system" and calling for the dismissal of other ongoing investigations against him.
Future Legal Implications: The dismissal casts uncertainty on the case's future and adds to Trump's recent legal victories, including the Supreme Court ruling granting him immunity from prosecution for many actions taken while in office. Prosecutors are expected to appeal the decision.
Full Report:
In a significant legal victory for Donald Trump, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has dismissed special counsel Jack Smith's classified documents case against the former president. This ruling, handed down Monday morning, nullifies a prosecution that was initially considered one of the most serious legal threats Trump faced.
Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, granted the defense's motion to dismiss, citing constitutional concerns over Smith's appointment. Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, urging the Biden administration to cease the "weaponization of our justice system":
"As we move forward in Uniting our Nation after the horrific events on Saturday, this dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts — The January 6th Hoax in Washington, D.C., the Manhattan D.A.'s Zombie Case, the New York A.G. Scam, Fake Claims about a woman I never met (a decades-old photo in a line with her then-husband does not count), and the Georgia 'Perfect' Phone Call charges. The Democrat Justice Department coordinated ALL of these Political Attacks, which are an Election Interference conspiracy against Joe Biden's Political Opponent, ME. Let us come together to END all Weaponization of our Justice System, and Make America Great Again!"
This ruling comes on the heels of the Republican National Convention's start in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the attempted assassination of Trump.
Trump's legal team argued that Smith's appointment violated the Constitution's Appointments Clause and that his office was improperly funded. Although Smith's team contested these points, Cannon's ruling dismissed the case based on these constitutional grounds.
A spokesperson for Smith's team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Cannon stated in her ruling that "Special counsel Smith's use of a permanent indefinite appropriation also violates the Appropriations Clause, U.S. Constitution, but the court need not address the proper remedy for that funding violation given the dismissal on Appointments Clause grounds."
This dismissal adds to Trump's recent legal victories, including the July 1 Supreme Court ruling granting him immunity from prosecution for many actions taken while in office. Prosecutors are expected to appeal the decision, although similar cases have upheld the Justice Department's ability to appoint special counsels.
This ruling casts uncertainty on the future of the case, which had significant implications for Trump. Smith is also prosecuting Trump in federal court in Washington over attempts to overturn the 2020 election, although no similar challenge has been made in that case.
Trump was initially indicted for allegedly retaining sensitive national security documents at Mar-a-Lago and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. Alongside Trump, his aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira were also charged.
Trump's legal team challenged Attorney General Merrick Garland's 2022 decision to appoint Smith, arguing it was unconstitutional due to the lack of Senate confirmation and Congressional creation of the office. Smith's team defended the appointment, citing established practices for special counsels.
Judge Cannon has previously shown a pattern of rulings favoring Trump's defense, including delaying the trial while considering various legal challenges. In a rare move, she allowed three outside lawyers, including two supporting Trump, to argue in court.
Conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas also bolstered Trump's challenge by questioning the legality of Smith's appointment in a recent opinion.
Attorney General Garland appointed Smith to ensure independence in the investigation into Trump, separating it from the Justice Department under the Biden administration.
Original Story by Eric Mack, Newsmax
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