A Florida judge has dismissed the US Justice Department’s case against former President Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents, citing a violation of the US Constitution. The case, brought by special prosecutor Jack Smith, accused Trump of retaining national defense information and obstructing the investigation.
The judge, Aileen Cannon, ruled in favor of Trump’s motion to dismiss, stating that Smith’s appointment breached the Appointments Clause. Dozens of classified files were found in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, leading to his indictment on multiple felony counts alongside two others who pleaded not guilty.
While the Justice Department has authorized an appeal, legal experts have debated the implications of the ruling. Some believe it may be overturned on appeal, but the delay could benefit Trump’s campaign. The decision comes amidst the Republican National Convention, where Trump is set to accept the party’s nomination for president.
Despite the dismissal of this case, Trump still faces charges in other legal battles, including falsifying business records and criminal conspiracy related to the 2020 election. While Republican lawmakers cheered the ruling, Democrats criticized it as “breathtakingly misguided.”
The ruling raises questions about the legitimacy of special counsels in other cases, including the investigation of Hunter Biden. Whether the dismissal stands or not, it is a significant development in the ongoing legal challenges faced by the former president.
